The Chicago Bulls are reportedly trying to build their team in the image of the 2024-25 NBA finalist Indiana Pacers.

The Indiana Pacers will continue their four-game home stand against the Chicago Bulls. Despite a poor start this season, the franchise enters tonight’s back-to-back coming off a fresh win against the Washington Wizards last night and will hope to build on that.

Preview the Chicago Bulls' NBA matchup with Indiana, including betting odds, tips, trends, and game information.

That, in itself, doesn't necessarily need to be damning. Growth isn't linear, and developing identities is usually a bumpy process. The 2022 Celtics were below .500 in mid-January before reaching the Finals.

The Chicago Bulls will try to snap a three-game losing streak when they travel to play the Orlando Magic on Monday night. The Bulls defense has been a problem in the past few weeks with Isaac Okoro dealing with a back injury.

Pascal Siakam led the way for the Pacers in Friday’s victory as he ended the game with 24 points and 11 rebounds while Bennedict Mathurin recorded 20 points and four assists. While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Saturday night’s matchup, both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries.

In a loaded 2026 draft class, maintaining their pick would be greatly beneficial. At the same time, the Bulls have been mediocre for so long, and the East is wide open, so it could make sense for Chicago to be buyers at the trade deadline. Currently, the Bulls seem committed to the latter approach.

The Chicago Bulls have already endured some ups and downs to start the 2025-26 season, and one opposing player has a theory about their approach to this year.