NBA 2025-2026: Indiana Pacers vs Chicago Bulls Prediction
Indiana Pacers
Home Team
44.3%
116.0 pts
VS
Chicago Bulls
Away Team
55.7%
116.1 pts
Key Prediction Insights
The Chicago Bulls are predicted to edge out the Indiana Pacers with a win probability of 55.7%. The expected scoreline is extremely tight, with the Bulls anticipated to score 116.1 points, just a fraction more than the Pacers' 116.0. The starting lineup for the Pacers includes Andrew Nembhard, Johnny Furphy, Aaron Nesmith, Jarace Walker, and Pascal Siakam. Meanwhile, the Bulls are expected to start with Josh Giddey, Coby White, Isaac Okoro, Matas Buzelis, and Nikola Vučević.
Game Analysis
Heading into this matchup, both teams have faced challenges in their recent games. The Indiana Pacers have struggled with consistency, losing two of their last three games, including a tough 116-132 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Their lone recent victory came against the Oklahoma City Thunder, squeaking by with a 117-114 win. The Pacers' average offensive and defensive ratings suggest they need to tighten up defensively, with Pascal Siakam being their standout scorer averaging 23.8 points per game.
The Chicago Bulls, on the other hand, have shown resilience, winning two of their last three matchups. They had a notable win against the Boston Celtics, finishing 114-111 and outplayed the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 120-115 victory. Offensively, the Bulls present a balanced attack with Nikola Vučević leading with an impressive offensive rating of 120.1 and an average of 16.8 points per game. Defensively, both teams have areas to improve, but the Bulls might have a slight advantage with a combination of experience and offensive firepower.
Final Prediction
The prediction leans towards the Chicago Bulls due to their recent form and balanced scoring from their starting five. A key factor to watch in this game will be how well the Pacers can handle Nikola Vučević's presence in the paint and whether Pascal Siakam can carry Indiana offensively against a robust Bulls lineup.