Chicago Bulls (4-3) Vs Indiana Pacers (9-0)

The Indiana Pacers are dismantling the NBA and making a mockery out of the rest of the league. Paul George's troops are thus far undefeated, and I've yet to see a team really threaten them. Admittedly, it's only been 9 games, but Paul George looks like the frontrunner for this year's MVP. The team plays an ugly offensive game, but so do the Bulls.

I really really do not buy the Indiana Pacers as an NBA champion, but with George and Roy Hibbert making the leap, it may be time for me to capitulate.

The Bulls played well last night against the Raptors, but the Pacers blew out the Milwaukee Bucks, 104-77.

Quick Stat Lines:

Paul George: 24.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.6 SPG, 48.7% FG%

Roy Hibbert: 11.4 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 4.8 BLOCKS PER GAME

Hibbert is the best rim protector in the game, and the Bulls are going to have a very difficult scoring inside. As hard as Joakim Noah tries, he is simply not a real threat offensively, particularly against a strong defender like Hibbert. I assume Hibbert will matchup with Boozer most of the time, so hopefully Boozer lingers outside of the paint to open up the lane for Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose (if he plays).

Key Matchup: Derrick Rose Vs George Hill

George Hill and GF

The Bulls did a masterful job containing Paul George last time these two teams played. Thus, I'm not concerned about stopping him. Rather, I want Derrick Rose to abuse point guard George Hill.

CJ Watson started the last time, and Rose owned him every time he asserted himself. However, those moments were few and far between. Hill can't guard Rose--well, no one can guard Derrick Rose--so if he plays and is healthy, he NEEDS to exploit this matchup for the Bulls to win. Boozer will be largely contained, so Rose needs to drive to score and create open shots for his teammates.

My Prediction... Do I break my addiction and go against the Bulls?




No, I can't do that, even against the Pacers.

Final Score: Bulls 92 Pacers 89