April 1, 2026 | United Center, Chicago, IL | 7:00 PM CT | NBC Sports Chicago
The Chicago Bulls (29–43) host the Indiana Pacers (39–33) at the United Center tonight, and this is a tough matchup at home. They’re 6th in the East and fighting for playoff seeding. We’re 11th in the East and fourteen games under .500 with our season long over.
The Pacers have Tyrese Haliburton—one of the best playmakers in the league. Bennedict Mathurin provides scoring. Myles Turner protects the rim and spaces the floor. They’re balanced, fast-paced, and playing meaningful basketball.
We’re trying to keep up with DeMar DeRozan’s mid-range game and hoping Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton get hot from three. Against Indiana’s pace and balance, even at home, that’s probably not enough.
For Bulls fans, this is a home game against a playoff team where we need to protect the United Center and show some fight.
Where the Bulls Stand (Still Bad)
Record: 29–43 (11th in East)
We’re fourteen games under .500, and the season’s been over for weeks. The defense is terrible (120.4 points allowed per game). The rebounding is awful (42.8 per game vs Indiana’s 45.2). Even at home, both weaknesses will show up against the Pacers’ pace.
Key Players:
- DeMar DeRozan: Still getting his mid-range buckets, needs to dominate at home
- Anfernee Simons: Inconsistent all season—needs to show up at the United Center
- Collin Sexton: Provides energy off the bench, especially at home
Billy Donovan keeps preaching defense and execution. Against Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers’ pace at home, we need the crowd behind us.
The Indiana Pacers: Fast-Paced and Playoff-Bound
Record: 39–33 (6th in East)
The Pacers are solidly in the playoff picture with fast-paced, balanced basketball. Tyrese Haliburton is one of the best playmakers in the league—controls tempo, sets up teammates, can score when needed. Bennedict Mathurin provides athletic scoring. Myles Turner protects the rim and shoots threes.
Key Players:
- Tyrese Haliburton (PG): Elite playmaker who controls the game’s tempo
- Bennedict Mathurin (G/F): Athletic scorer with growing consistency
- Myles Turner (C): Rim protector who spaces the floor with shooting
The Numbers:
- 118.2 points per game (high-paced offense)
- 115.0 points allowed per game (solid defense with Turner)
- 45.2 rebounds per game (dominate the glass)
- Push tempo constantly
They’re balanced, deep, well-coached, and playing for playoff seeding.
Breaking Down the Matchup
| Category | Bulls | Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 114.7 | 118.2 |
| Points Allowed | 120.4 | 115.0 |
| Assists Per Game | 29.1 | 28.7 |
| 3-Pointers Made | 14.5 | 13.9 |
| Rebounding | 42.8 | 45.2 |
They score more. They defend better. They rebound better. We pass slightly more and shoot slightly more threes.
The pace will kill us—118.2 points per game vs our 120.4 points allowed. Against a Pacers team that pushes tempo constantly, our defense is going to get torched even at home.
What the Bulls Need to Do at Home
DeMar DeRozan Takes Over at the United Center
DeMar needs 35+ points and to control the game at home. The crowd will be behind him. Use that energy against the Pacers’ pace.
Hit Threes Consistently
If Simons, Sexton, and our shooters can knock down 18+ threes at 42%+, we can win at home. Get hot and keep the crowd engaged.
Someone Has to Slow Down Tyrese Haliburton
Haliburton controls tempo and sets everyone up. Make him uncomfortable at the United Center. Don’t let him dictate pace.
Protect Home Court
The United Center. Our fans. The Pacers are on the road. If we can’t compete with them at home, what’s the point?
Feed Off the Crowd
Home games matter. The energy should help us. Use it to our advantage.
What Indiana Will Bring
Tyrese Haliburton will control tempo and set up teammates constantly. Bennedict Mathurin will provide athletic scoring. Myles Turner will protect the rim and hit threes. They’ll push pace relentlessly.
The Pacers’ speed and balance will test us at home. If we can’t keep up with their pace, this could get ugly.
Bulls Fan Prediction: Competitive Home Game
Final Score: Bulls 112, Pacers 110
DeMar DeRozan dominates at home with 36 points. Anfernee Simons gets hot and drops 27. The United Center crowd gets loud and energizes the team.
Tyrese Haliburton battles for 24 points and 12 assists, controlling the game. Bennedict Mathurin adds 25. But our home court advantage and three-point shooting give us a two-point win.
We protect the United Center against a playoff team. The crowd lifts us to a statement victory.
Why This Game Matters
We’re 11th in the East. The season’s over. But this is the United Center. Our home court.
The Pacers are a playoff team, but they’re on the road. If we can’t protect home court against them, what’s the point?
DeMar DeRozan deserves support from the home crowd. And maybe—just maybe—we can steal a win against a playoff team at the United Center.
See Red. Let´s go Bulls!
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