The Chicago Bulls look to close out the Indiana Pacers tonight, Tuesday April 26th, for game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarter-finals. The Bulls have won seven of their last ten against the Pacers. NBA oddsmakers have the Bulls as -9 point home favourites over the Pacers with the over/under set at 186.5 points. Be sure to check the Pacers vs Bulls NBA Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
Indiana (1-3, 0-2 V) denied the Bulls the sweep after winning Game 4, 89-84 at home thanks to Danny Granger’s 24pt night. They’ve consistently frustrated Derrick Rose and the Bulls with traps, throwing their offense out of sync, and they've been fouling hard on shots down low. That in part explains why Indiana has turned 67 turnovers into 89 points and why Chicago is shooting 39.8 percent, although Indiana isn't much better at 41.3 percent. Indiana is figuratively punching the Bulls in the face every trip down the floor and getting away with it. The Bulls shot 31 more free throws in the first three games, but the Pacers' game plan is to foul early and often, especially when it comes to MVP favorite Derrick Rose. One hard foul, or a bad drive to the basket in the paint, and Rose’s ankle could be done.
Chicago (3-1, 2-0 H) top scorer Derrick Rose has sprained his right ankle, but will suit up. "It's getting better every day," he said Monday. "I've been getting treatment on it the last couple of days, coming in in the morning, coming in at night, getting treatment. Hopefully, it'll be ready tomorrow. It's not broken so I'm definitely playing." The swelling has gone down, and although he plans to get a painkilling shot before the game, he was in flip flops one day after wearing a walking boot. He did sit out Monday's practice, but the Bulls can breathe a little easier knowing that an MRI confirmed there was no major structural damage. Rose leads the Bulls averaging 28.3ppg. Rose sprained his ankle driving to the basket late in the first quarter of Game 4 on Saturday and wasn't his usual dominant self as the Pacers beat Chicago 89-84 to avoid the sweep, finishing with 15 points and 10 assists. He scored just eight points on 3-for-16 shooting after the injury but wasn't about to use that as an excuse.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Pacers are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Chicago.
Pacers are 4-9 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Chicago.
Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Pacers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Pacers are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.
Bulls are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games as a home favorite.
Bulls are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Bulls are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Pacers vs Bulls
When: Tuesday, April 26, 8:00 PM ET
Pick: Pacers +9
Point-Spreads.com recommends you check out NBA Point Spreads before Pacers vs Bulls game.
The Bottom Line: Rose won’t be as dominant with his injured ankle, the Bulls should win, note by nine though. Be sure to check Pacers vs Bulls Basketball Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
