The Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls are both dealing with key absences ahead of their Friday, December 5 matchup at the United Center. Indiana enters the game on a two-game losing streak, while the Bulls are struggling through a five-game skid.
The Pacers will be without Tyrese Haliburton, who remains sidelined with a torn right Achilles tendon. Quenton Jackson, Kam Jones, Aaron Nesmith, Ben Sheppard, and Obi Toppin are also out due to various injuries, including hamstring, back, knee, calf, and foot issues.
Indiana’s roster is significantly impacted, leaving Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin to carry much of the scoring load. Siakam is averaging 24.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, while Mathurin contributes 20.5 points and 5.6 rebounds.
Chicago faces a mixed injury report, with Zach Collins listed as questionable due to a left scaphoid fracture and Ayo Dosunmu also questionable with a right thumb sprain. Kevin Huerter, Tre Jones, Isaac Okoro, and Jalen Smith are doubtful or out, leaving gaps in both perimeter and interior depth. Dalen Terry and Patrick Williams are probable, with Coby White remaining questionable.
Despite these issues, White has averaged 24.2 points over five games, while Josh Giddey leads the team with 21.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per contest.
The Bulls are looking to snap their current losing streak, relying on consistent production from Vucevic and Giddey to offset the injured players. Vucevic has been contributing 16.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, while Matas Buzelis adds 13.6 points and 5.6 rebounds, providing the team with vital frontcourt support.
In the Pacers’ previous meeting against the Bulls this season on November 29, Indiana narrowly won 103-101.
The game tips off at 8:00 PM ET, with Chicago looking to leverage home-court advantage despite injury challenges.
