An Eastern Conference showdown will take place today, Tuesday, at the United Center when the streaking Indiana Pacers pay the Chicago Bulls a visit for preseason action.
The Pacers, after dropping their preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans, have been on a four-game winning streak with their last victory captured against a LeBron James-less Cleveland Cavaliers, 107–85.
Leading the way is former All-Star forward Paul George who is playing splendidly in the preseason, which is a sign of good things to come for Indiana.
George nearly tallied a double-double having 17 points with eight rebounds, together with three assists, and one steal in 27 minutes of action.
Helping the 25-year-old was center Ian Mahinmi who recorded 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Offseason acquisition point guard Monta Ellis also contributed 14 points, one rebound, two assists, and one steal in the win over Cleveland.
The Pacers lost key pieces in the offseason like big men Roy Hibbert and David West but are looking great in the preseason heading to the regular season.
Unlike Indiana, the Bulls are on a three-game losing slide with their most recent setback a 94–86 defeat to the unbeaten Charlotte Hornets.
The Bulls had a tall task in the game since they are playing with a depleted lineup in the preseason.
All-Star guard Jimmy Butler paced Chicago with 18 points, also having four rebounds, two assists, and three steals.
Center Joakim Noah added 12 points and dominated the boards grabbing 13 rebounds, also dishing out seven assists, and having two steals.
Forward Taj Gibson, who is bouncing back from injury, also had a great performance in a losing effort scoring 14 points, with nine rebounds, and one assist.
The Bulls are still waiting on the status of star point guard Derrick Rose who is already practicing with the team but is wearing a face mask for protection following a surgery for an orbital fracture.
The game between the Pacers and Bulls will be held today, Oct. 20, at 8:00 p.m. EST. To watch via live stream, click here.
