Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers - GAME DAY PREVIEW

Can the Bulls snap out of their recent slide?

© Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls travel to Indiana to face the Pacers, hoping to snap a two-game losing streak and gain ground on their opponents in the race to nab an outright berth in the NBA Playoffs. With a 31-34 record, the Bulls are 5.5 games behind the sixth-seeded Pacers, who hold a 37-29 record.

Playoff chase

While the Bulls are mathematically within range of the Pacers, catching up to them will be a daunting task. However, winning on Wednesday night at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse will go a long way towards keeping their playoff hopes alive.

This will be the third match-up between the two Central Division rivals. Each team has one win over the other, with the Pacers winning the last time, 120-104. All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton was sensational in that game, racking up 21 points and 20 assists, while big man Myles Turner added 24.

anotha ☝️

Tyrese Haliburton lobs it up to Obi Toppin for the slam. pic.twitter.com/gJ8icxxuF6

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) March 13, 2024

Injuries on both sides

Injuries to numerous key players have severely undermined the Bulls’ lineup. Chicago has listed rookie forward Julian Phillips as questionable to play due to right foot soreness, while Torrey Craig is probable despite the ankle sprain he suffered in the game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Meanwhile, the Pacers will miss sophomore scorer Bennedict Mathurin, who is out for the season because of a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

Bennedict Mathurin has been diagnosed with a torn labrum in his right shoulder, an injury which will require surgery.

He will miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season and is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Learn more: https://t.co/jO14HAk7ft pic.twitter.com/I9v6baqXSU

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) March 9, 2024

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