8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

Indiana Pacers week ahead: Superstars and big markets

By Tony East

PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 18: T.J. Leaf #22 of the Indiana Pacers drives against Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 18, 2018 in Portland, Oregon.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 18: T.J. Leaf #22 of the Indiana Pacers drives against Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 18, 2018 in Portland, Oregon.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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Victor Oladipo Indiana Pacers
CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 10: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers drives against Kris Dunn #32 of the Chicago Bulls during a preseason game at the United Center on October 10, 2018, in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Pacers 104-89. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Game 9: Chicago Bulls – Friday, 8:00 PM

Remember when the preseason ended with the Pacers getting smacked around by Chicago? I wouldn’t worry about that happening again.

To be fair to the Bulls, they are doing better than I thought they would this season. I thought their defense would be the worst in the league, and it is currently only 24th. Their offense has been below average, but fine. That is mostly thanks to some unforeseeable play from Zach LaVine.

LaVine is pouring in 29.3 points per game for Chicago, and they are giving him every chance to prove he is worth the contract he got this summer. So far, he is up to the task.

The other offensive weapon for Chicago is Jabari Parker, who is scoring a quality 16 points per game off the bench. He is shooting well from three (related: the Bulls are 4th in the league in 3pt% so far, so keep an eye on that), which makes him much more threatening since he is an inside-outside scorer so far this season. Shutting him down will be important for the second unit.

Matchup-wise, the Pacers have better starters and better depth than Chicago. This should be an easy one. It seems like Robin Lopez always gets a million offensive rebounds against Indiana. Shut that threat down and it’s game over.

Prediction: Pacers win easily, 117-103

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