Indiana Pacers vs Chicago Bulls Picks and Predictions for Friday December 5, 2025
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The Indiana Pacers travel to Chicago to face the Bulls at the United Center, with tipoff set for 8:00 PM EST. Indiana enters this matchup on a 10-game road losing streak, while Chicago is trying to stop a five-game skid of its own. Both teams desperately need a win, but only one can snap their current slide. Let’s break down the matchup from both sides before getting into the pick. Make sure you are set for all the NBA games with our free NBA picks.
Indiana Pacers Preview
The Pacers arrive at 4–18, sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, and their biggest issue continues to be defense. Indiana is allowing 120.1 points per game, which ranks near the worst in the league, and opponents are routinely getting clean looks from the perimeter and inside.
Key Team Stats (Indiana)
- 110.6 PPG scored
- 120.1 PPG allowed
- 43% FG shooting
- 44.5 rebounds per game
- 23.4 assists per game
- 6.8 steals per game
Despite the struggles, Pascal Siakam has been outstanding:
- 24.0 PPG
- 47.8% FG
- 67.8% FT
Indiana’s offense is competent, but they’ve been unable to get consistent stops, and their transition defense continues to cost them. Add in multiple injuries — Sheppard, Nesmith, Toppin, and others — and the rotation feels thin and inconsistent.
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The Pacers did beat the Bulls on November 29, but that was at home, and they allowed 101 points — well under their typical defensive average. Doing that again on the road is a much bigger challenge.
Chicago Bulls Preview
The Bulls come in at 9–12, a far more competitive team but still struggling to find rhythm during this recent losing streak. Chicago is scoring 119.1 PPG, but their defense has been just as porous as Indiana’s, allowing 122.7 PPG.
Key Team Stats (Chicago)
- 119.1 PPG scored
- 122.7 PPG allowed
- 47% FG
- 45.8 rebounds per game
- 29 assists per game — excellent ball movement
- 7.9 steals per game
Josh Giddey continues to shine:
- 21.0 PPG
- 48.6% FG
- 73.7% FT
The Bulls’ offense has been efficient and fast-paced, but injuries are piling up:
- Patrick Williams — GTD
- Jalen Smith — GTD
- Isaac Okoro — GTD
- Zach Collins — GTD
- Dalen Terry — GTD
Even so, Chicago has been far more reliable at home, posting a 6–3 home record, compared to Indiana’s stunning 0–10 road record.
Chicago plays better defense at home, Giddey has taken on a true leadership role, and the supporting cast generally shoots better at the United Center.
Indiana vs Chicago Pick
I’m backing Chicago in this matchup.
Indiana’s defensive issues are too big to ignore, especially on the road. A team giving up 120 points per game with a 0–10 road record cannot be trusted in a pick’em-style matchup. Chicago’s offense should dictate this game — Giddey’s pacing, the Bulls’ ball movement, and their ability to knock down shots at home all point toward a strong bounce-back performance.
Indiana will score, but their inability to get stops — especially late in games — is where Chicago pulls away. The United Center crowd and Chicago’s efficiency edge give them the clear advantage. Betting on sports and on the Pacers is easy, but even easier if you use the best sportsbooks. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for the Bulls with the social sportsbooks. Getting the most out of your bets on Pacers vs Bulls can be done by using the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Give me Chicago to win and cover as they hand Indiana its 11th straight road loss.
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