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The Chicago Bulls will lock horns with the Indiana Pacers in an NBA Eastern Conference matchup at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday, December 31. Both teams have met twice this season, sharing a win apiece.
Coming into this game, the Bulls are high on confidence as they are unbeaten in five games. Their last victory came against the Atlanta Hawks, where Zach LaVine scored 25 points. He has combined well with seasoned veteran DeMar DeRozan as the duo look likely to be All-Stars this season.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers have lost three of their last four games. They have been inconsistent throughout the year. For this game, they will miss out on a few of their stars, and that could prove to be the difference when they take on the Bulls at home.
Chicago Bulls Injury Report
The Chicago Bulls will be missing the likes of Lonzo Ball, Tony Bradley, Ersan Ilyasova, Alfonzo McKinnie and Marko Simonovi due to the league's health and safety protocols.
Patrick Williams is indefinitely out due to an early-season injury he suffered. Alex Caruso has also been ruled, as he is recovering from a left midfoot sprain.
Indiana Pacers Injury Report
The Indiana Pacers have reported Malcolm Brogdon, Chris Duarte, Isaiah Jackson and Jeremey Lamb as out of this game due to the league's health and safety Protocols. Meanwhile, TJ McConnell and TJ Warren have both been indefinitely ruled out due to injuries.
Chicago Bulls vs Indiana Pacers: Predicted Starting Lineups
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls have been very consistent with their lineup this season. Although coach Billy Donovan has had to tweak his starting 5 due to injuries, his key players have remained the same.
For this game, the Bulls will likely start Coby White and Zach LaVine in the backcourt. DeMar DeRozan and Javonte Green could feature in the frontcourt, while Nikola Vucevic starts at center.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers find themselves in a bit of a predicament, as they have a few of their starters in the safety protocols. Coach Rick Carlisle will have to go to his bench to try and find a starting five for this game.
With Chris Duarte and Malcolm Brogdon out, Oshae Brissett could start in the backcourt with Caris LeVert. Justin Holiday and Domantas Sabonis should keep their positions in the frontcourt while Myles Turner starts at center.
Chicago Bulls vs Indiana Pacers: Predicted Starting 5s
Chicago Bulls
Point Guard - Coby White; Shooting Guard - Zach LaVine; Small Forward - DeMar DeRozan; Power Forward - Javonte Green; Center - Nikola Vucevic.
Indiana Pacers
Point Guard - Caris LeVert; Shooting Guard - Oshae Brissett; Small Forward - Justin Holiday; Power Forward - Domantas Sabonis; Center - Myles Turner.
Guess the Lakers players!
