Game preview and injury report: Chicago Bulls looking to bounce back at home vs. Indiana Pacers

The Chicago Bulls (29-35) host the Indiana Pacers (28-36) today. The Bulls are coming off a 125-104 home loss against the Suns on Friday. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 31 points and six assists, Zach LaVine had 27 points, four rebounds and four assists, and Nikola Vucevic added 13 points and nine rebounds in the setback.

Indiana Pacers (28-36) vs. Chicago Bulls (29-35)

Sunday, March 5 – 03:30 PM ET at United Center

Indiana Pacers

Points Per Game: 114.9 (13th of 30)
Opponent Points Per Game: 117.3 (24th of 30)
Bench Points Per Game: 42.8 (1st of 30)
Pace: 100.9 (8th of 30)
Offensive Rating: 113.5 (22nd of 30)
Defensive Rating: 115.9 (23rd of 30)
Net Rating: -2.4 (25th of 30)

Chicago Bulls

Points Per Game: 112.9 (20th of 30)
Opponent Points Per Game: 112.5 (10th of 30)
Bench Points Per Game: 30.1 (25th of 30)
Pace: 99.2 (16th of 30)
Offensive Rating: 112.9 (24th of 30)
Defensive Rating: 112.6 (7th of 30)
Net Rating: +0.3 (16th of 30)

Contain Buddy Hield

Buddy Hield had 27 points on 12-of-17 shooting and 2-of-3 from three-point range with four rebounds, four assists, and three steals in Thursday’s 110-99 road loss against the Spurs. The Pacers missed their star point guard Tyrese Haliburton (calf injury), so Hield had to shoulder more of the scoring load in San Antonio.

Hield is averaging 23.7 points, four rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes over three games against the Bulls this season, shooting 50 percent from the field and 51.5 percent from beyond the arc. The Bulls must contain Hield to win their 30th game this season.

Maintain a high effort level for the entire game

Despite a close first half in which the Bulls led the Suns 64-60, the visitors pulled away, ultimately winning 125-104. The Bulls struggled to match the Suns’ scoring output down the stretch, which is a recurring theme for the Bulls this season. Just look back at how they almost blew a late third quarter 21-point lead against the Pistons on Wednesday.

The Pistons outscored the Bulls 29-16 in the fourth quarter of that game, and the Suns had a 65-40 advantage in the second half against the Bulls. Phoenix won the fourth quarter 31-19.

No Bulls player beyond the Big Three of LaVine, DeRozan and Vucevic scored in double figures. The Suns also enjoyed a massive three-point shooting advantage: 47-23 in attempts and 20-7 in makes. On a side note, the Suns also outrebounded the Bulls 52-44.

Noteworthy

The Pacers won the last meeting, 117-113 on February 15. LaVine led the Bulls with 35 points.

Chicago beat Indiana four of the last six times.

The Bulls are 6-4 in the last 10 matchups against the Pacers.

Pacers’ projected lineup: Turner, Nesmith, Hield, Hill, Nembhard

Bulls’ projected lineup: Vucevic, Williams, LaVine, DeRozan, Beverley

Pacers’ Injury Report: Tyrese Haliburton (right calf soreness) and Aaron Nesmith (left hip soreness) are questionable against the Bulls.

Bulls’ Injury Report: Lonzo Ball is out with a left knee injury. Javonte Green (right knee soreness) will also miss this game.