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The Pacers won 6 out of the last 7 games

Even though they constantly struggle with injuries, the Pacers are getting better each next game. George Paul, who will have a tough matchup with Butler today, is doing particularly good.

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The Chicago Bulls managed to win 6 out of 9 games in spite of being very inconsistent. They recorded the last win on Friday when they beat the Hornets 102-97 home to retaliate for the tough defeat of only a few days before. 

- We have a talented team. Beating us when we play well is tough. We try to play fast and attack but I'm not sure we have identity - Pau Gasol said. hHe's averaged 12,0 rebounds, 18,7 points and 3,0 blocks in the last three games. 

Derrick Rose was limited to only 10 points with 4/14 from the floor against the Hornets. His average this season is 12,6 points and 6,0 rebounds, which doesn't really live up to the expectations. Coach Hoiberg said that his point guard could fight double vision for another three months after breaking a facial bone. The problems are so far not affecting the time he gets on the floor but they are definitely affecting his shooting (35,9), especially when we talk about the three point efficiency, which is horrible 1/-for-18 for Rose this season. 

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- Jimmy Butler has to be more aggressive, especially because I struggle- Some games you won't be able to see those problems but in some you will - Rose said.

Butler is averaging 19,4 points, which is not bad but the Bulls expect more from Mirotic, who is averaging 12,1 points and 6,2 rebounds with 37,2 percent field goal efficiency. That forced coach Hoiberg into considering some changes to the starting five. he said that he plans to keep Mirotic in it but also added that he could change his mind before the start of the next game.

The Pacers are going through an identity crisis of their own after finally joining the modern basketball this summer (after being one of the slowest-paced teams for years). Things didn't really go brilliantly at the start as they allowed the opponents 105,0 points. But they limited their opponents to 92,3 points after the start, which allowed them to record 5 wins. 

The greatest reason for good results is Paul George, who's been averaging 29,3 points and 9,3 rebounds with field goal efficiency of 47,5 percent in the last five games, including 19-for-40 from the three point range. 

- This is Paul George we wanted ever since the training camp. My job is to put him in a position to have the best season in his carrier. He's on the right track for it - coach Voigel said-

The Pacers have been struggling with minor injuries since the start of the season. George Hill (14 points per game) and Stuckey (10,1) are questionable today. If both can't play, Monta Ellis will have to take more responsibility (12,6 points per game). His average in the last 7 games at United Center is 22,6 points.