Chicago BullsOpen full analysis
Indiana PacersOpen full analysis
The Indiana Pacers edged the Chicago Bulls 103–101 on November 29 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in a defensive slugfest that fell well short of the Vegas total of 239.5 points. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 24 points, supported by Bennedict Mathurin's 19 points, while the hosts shot 46.1 percent from the field and connected on 13 three-pointers. Chicago's offense was distributed, with Jalen Giddey and Talen Jones each scoring 17 points, though the Bulls matched Indiana's 24 assists and actually out-rebounded them 45–44 while making 14 threes. The decisive factor was Indiana's suffocating defense: the Pacers held a 104.2 defensive rating compared to Chicago's 102.0, and forced 13 turnovers to limit the Bulls' efficiency. Indiana's second quarter proved crucial, outscoring Chicago 35–27 to build separation, though both teams struggled in the fourth quarter, combining for just 38 points. The Pacers' defensive intensity in the final minutes—including 10 blocks and 8 steals—proved the difference in a low-scoring affair. Indiana's win improves their positioning in the Eastern Conference standings, while Chicago will need to tighten their offensive execution in upcoming matchups.
