Last Updated: Nov. 5 at 4:30 PM
Matchup
After a lopsided result on the road in Milwaukeee, the Pacers regroup and ready for a meeting with their Central Division foe, the Chicago Bulls (3-2).
The teams meet on Saturday night in a game that the Pacers (2-3) will look to correct some of the errors that cost them against the Bucks.
While Indiana's defense forced a ridiculous 22 turnovers, it coughed up the ball 21 times as well, and the Bucks' transition offense made them pay for it, scoring 34 points off of turnovers.
The Pacers, conversely, scored 26 points off the turnovers, and were outscored 62-42 in the paint.
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The offense doesn't seem to be a concern for the Pacers, as it has scored 100 or more points in all but one game. But the defense has struggled to contain opposing scorers.
Five games into the season, Indiana has the second worst defensive efficiency in the league (according to NBA.com/stats). On one hand, the Pacers lead the NBA in contested 3-point shots, showing that their defense is attacking shooters. On the other hand, they are collecting the fourth lowest amount of loose balls, just 3.4 per game.
Saturday brings a Bulls team whose success has surprised some observers around the league. Chicago, under the direction of former Iowa State head coach Fred Hoiberg, has surpassed 100 points in each game this season, and has shot the lights out from beyond the arc, sinking 40.9 percent of their 3-point attempts.
Dwyane Wade, who made seven 3-pointers all of last season, already has 10 through five games.
The Pacers have won both home games this season, but dropped all three on the road. On Saturday night, Indiana will look to even its record once more, facing off against a dangerous Bulls team.
Projected Starters
Jeff Teague
Monta Ellis
Paul George
Thaddeus Young
Myles Turner
Rajon Rondo
Dwyane Wade
Jimmy Butler
Taj Gibson
Robin Lopez
Pacers: PG - Jeff Teague, SG - Monta Ellis, SF - Paul George, PF - Thaddeus Young, C - Myles Turner
Bulls: PG - Rajon Rondo, SG - Dwyane Wade, SF - Jimmy Butler, PF - Taj Gibson, C - Robin Lopez
Injury Report
Pacers: Rodney Stuckey - out (right hamstring strain)
Bulls: Michael Carter-Williams - out (left knee bone bruise, left wrist sprain)
Last Meeting
October 29, 2016: The Pacers met the Bulls last Saturday for their third game of the season. It was a disappointing outcome for the Pacers, who fell behind early and never recovered, as the Bulls cruised to the 118-101 win.
In the first half, things were close early on, but Chicago eventually stretched its lead to 24 points, as the Bulls drained 38 points in the second quarter alone.
Doug McDermott came off the bench for the Bulls and scored a game-high 23 points, as the Pacers dropped their second game in as many nights.
Paul George scored a team-high 20 points in 24 minutes in the loss.
Noteworthy
- The Pacers have lost three straight games to the Bulls.
- Chicago holds the all-time lead in the series, 95-82.
- Pacers rookie Georges Niang played for Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg at Iowa State. Hoiberg was also a member of the Pacers from 1995-1999.
- The Bulls signed recently-waived R.J. Hunter, who attended Pike High School in Indianapolis, the same school as Pacers point guard Jeff Teague.
Tickets
Good seats still remain for Saturday's game against the Jimmy Butler and the Chicago Bulls. Find Tickets »
Broadcast Information TV & Radio Listings »
TV: FOX Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 93.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Slick Leonard (analyst), Pat Boylan (sideline reporter)
Please Note: Inside Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Pacers radio broadcasts can be heard on 1080 AM instead of 1070.
Home Court Gift Shop Game Night Special
Select Pacers Short Sleeve T-Shirt - $12. Game Night Specials can be purchased in the Home Court Gift Shop or any of our souvenir stands located on all levels of Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The special is also available online at PacersGear.com until midnight.
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In addition, the southbound lane of Delaware Street from Maryland to just south of the train bridge will be closed for the duration of the construction project.