Indiana Pacers brace themselves to avoid a four-game sweep against Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls are back with the sole possession of the first spot in the Eastern Conference following an electrifying victory over New Jersey Nets to stretch their winning streak to a season-high eight games. The Bulls look forward
to amplify their winning percentage and complete a four-game sweep opposing Indiana Pacers at Conseco Fieldhouse on Friday night
The Bulls won fourth straight game without their star power forward Carlos Boozer who is sidelined due to sprained ankle. Joakim Noah joined the line-up after one game absence as Chicago overshadowed Nets to 34.9 percent shooting
in an 84-73 remarkable win on Thursday.
The team is forming a major impact with their sprawling sturdy defense in the recent games, which has restricted the opposition to gain any sort of momentum.
The All-Star guard Derrick Rose said on the Thursday’s victory against New York.
"That's what we've been doing the whole year, playing defense. If our offense isn't going, and that rarely happens, we rely on our defense. That's what we did tonight, make it tough on them. At first, they were getting everything
they wanted. Then we just closed down the paint and rebounded the ball."
Highlight of the night for Bulls in their last victory was once again the invincible Derrick Rose who clinched a sizzling team-high 21 points to dominate the game-play. The big gun continues to provide fireworks, hardly leaving
an argument for MVP this year.
Chicago Bulls have reclaimed the top rank in the East with 49 victories and 18 defeats, leaving Boston Celtics one win behind. The squad has entirely subjugated the whole play in their recent meetings as their strapping defense
kept on haunting the opposition.
Bulls carry an outstanding record at their home court by achieving 30 victories in just 34 home games. The team has started to propel a strong message just before the playoffs to be the toughest contenders for the Championship
run.
On the Other hand, Indian Pacers are battling at the eight spot for the playoff run in the same Conference. They have managed to win 29 games followed by a big number of 39 defeats. Charlotte bobcats are striving hard to excel
in ranking in order to stand in the top 8 as they are one win behind Pacers.
Indian will be having a home advantage in the Friday’s game however they carry average stats on their home court by winning 18 games out of 33 home meetings. The team cannot afford anymore successive defeats as they are extensively
pursued by bobcats to snatch their spot.
Indiana really needs to counterattack against Rose who positions himself as a guard and belligerently attacks the rim of the opposition. Danny Granger will be the key player for Pacers to do the job from them. He is averaging 20.6
points and one of the line-ups major strength.
Conversely, it will be a big challenge to stop the inexorable Derrick Rose who is marching forward stoutly for the MVP and continues to dominate the scoring of the game.
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