National Basketball Association

Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers: Game Outlook

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Chicago Bulls look to bounce back on Thursday night against the Indiana Pacers. Let’s take a look what to watch for in Indianapolis.

In a matchup between two of the top wing players in the world for Thursday’s game between the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers, Olympic teammates Jimmy Butler and Paul George square off in the Pacers’ only home preseason game this year.

With the Bulls down rookie G/F Denzel Valentine (out two weeks with a sprained ankle), they will look to slow down the new-look Pacers, who put up 113 points in a win Tuesday at New Orleans.

In their first action together, the Bulls starters played surprisingly well together against the Milwaukee Bucks. Look for the starters to see a little more time together tonight, particularly Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler. With both players sitting out the second half Monday night, I expect Hoiberg to ramp-up their minutes and play them another 3-4 minutes respectively.

According to Sam Smith from Bulls.com, Hoiberg has Nikola Mirotic in the starting lineup tonight, slated to start at PF. The second year coach had good things to say about Mirotic’s progressions in training camp.

“The biggest thing (with Mirotic) is he made strides defensively. I think he’s playing more within himself on the offensive end. Besides the game the other night he’s shot the ball extremely well (in practices). He was the first guy in the gym the next morning getting up shots and he made most of them. We’ll throw him out there to start (Thursday) and hope he plays well.”

Mirotic, who was 1 of 7 from the field (including 0-3 from three-point range) in 19 minutes of action Monday night, looks to rebound tonight and show his worth in the Bulls’ starting lineup.

Oct 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) argues a call with the referee during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Pacers defeated the Pelicans 113-96. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Pacers

Coming off their first preseason game with a victory in the “Big Easy”, 14 of 19 players on their preseason roster saw minutes on the floor in their 113-96 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The depth of this team is worth noting right away. Yes, it’s the preseason where minutes are carefully handed out equally. However, seven Pacers reached double figures on Tuesday night. The newly-acquired Al Jefferson scored a team-high 14 points, Thaddeus Young had 12 points and 10 rebounds, Joe Young and rookie Georges Niang each scored 12 points for the Pacers.

The 13-year veteran, Al Jefferson, will have his way against the reserves. In his new role with the Pacers, Jefferson is coming off the bench, which may prove beneficial for the veteran big man. In 18 minutes of action Tuesday night, Jefferson scored a team-high 14 points on 7-of-12 shooting. He is going to find himself with favorable matchups nightly, going against the opponents’ second-string big man. I can’t see many bench big men better than Jefferson.

Larry Bird made it clear in the offseason he wanted more scoring and a higher-tempo offense, and new coach Nate McMillan is doing just that in his first week in charge.

Nov 27, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won104-92. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight’s projected starting lineups

Probable starters for the Pacers:

PG – Jeff Teague #44

SG – Monta Ellis #11

SF – Paul George #13

PF – Thaddeus Young #21

C – Kevin Seraphin #1

Probable starters for the Bulls:

PG – Rajon Rondo #9

SG – Dwyane Wade #3

SF – Jimmy Butler #21

PF – Nikola Mirotic #44

C – Robin Lopez #8

Expect the point guard matchup of Rondo and Teague to be a fun one watch. Two point guards new to this rivalry, but experienced and pass-first mentalities.

The one everyone will be talking about, however, is Butler against George.

Even though this is the preseason, these guys are pro’s, and will go at each other like it’s mid-December.