Indiana Pacers vs Chicago Bulls Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 5

A 12-game NBA schedule is lined up for Friday, and one of the matchups features two Eastern Conference teams trying to stop their slide as the Indiana Pacers head to face the Chicago Bulls.

Both squads are 3-7 over their past 10 outings and currently sit outside the play-in race, with the Bulls at 9-12 in 11th place and the Pacers holding the conference’s second-worst mark at 4-18.

Here’s a preview of this Indiana Pacers vs Chicago Bulls game, scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET at United Center in Chicago.

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Indiana Pacers vs Chicago Bulls Preview and Odds

Moneyline: Pacers (+164) vs Bulls (-198)

Spread: Pacers +5.5 (-110) vs Bulls -5.5 (-110)

Total (O/U): Pacers o237.5 (-110) vs Bulls u237.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

Indiana Pacers vs Chicago Bulls preview

After boasting one of the league’s top offenses last season, the Indiana Pacers now sit second from the bottom in offensive rating, shooting just 43.0% overall and 32.3% from 3-point range, both last in the NBA. They also rank last in assists, near the bottom in steals, commit the most fouls and are second to last in scoring.

Much of that decline stems from playing without Tyrese Haliburton, but even with all the setbacks, Pascal Siakam continues to anchor the team with 24.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.

Outside of Siakam, Indiana has struggled to get consistent production, something the Bulls haven’t had an issue with, as they have eight players averaging double figures, led by Coby White (24.2 ppg, 6.2 apg), Josh Giddey (21.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 9.2 apg) and Nikola Vucevic (16.6 ppg, 9.9 rpg).

But even with Chicago’s depth, the team is mired in a five-game losing streak, the longest in the East and tied for the worst in the league with the New Orleans Pelicans. During that span, they’ve posted the fifth-worst offensive rating and the second-worst rebound percentage.

In addition to both teams’ recent issues, injuries will heavily influence this meeting, as the Pacers remain without Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith, Obi Toppin, Ben Sheppard, Quenton Jackson and Kam Jones.

Chicago’s injury list is even longer, with Kevin Huerter and Noa Essengue ruled out, Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith and Tre Jones listed as doubtful, and Ayo Dosunmu, Coby White and Zach Collins questionable, though Patrick Williams is expected to play.

Indiana Pacers vs Chicago Bulls betting tips

Pascal Siakam O/U 24.5 points – Take the over.
Josh Giddey O/U 24.5 points – Take the under.
Coby White O/U 23.5 points – Take the over.
Benedict Mathurin O/U 21.5 points – Take the under.

Indiana Pacers vs Chicago Bulls prediction

Despite Chicago’s rough stretch, they appear positioned to snap their skid and come out on top against the Pacers. It could be the kind of victory that helps them rebuild the rhythm they had earlier this season.

Our prediction: Bulls win by 11.