Pacers look to stay alive against the Bulls tonight in game five

Tonight the Pacers embark on another tough challenge in Chicago. Another road game is no big deal to these guys, who won at home Saturday with nearly 70% of Conseco Fieldhouse packed with fans in red and black.

The first big issue is in regards to Derrick Rose’s health. He had an MRI Monday that came back negative but also said he will need to take a shot Tuesday to later play that night. How effective can he be? I don’t think anyone knows but the Bulls go as Rose goes.

I’ve been very surprised all series long how dependent Chicago has been on their star. Even with Noah and Boozer, it’s been the Derrick Rose show.

Rose has struggled in the last two games. After tallying over 30 points in the first two games, Pacers interim head coach Frank Vogel has given Dahntay Jones and rookie Paul George the assignment. Those two have embraced the role and been quite spectacular. In game three, George had the most deflections on the team, and registered a couple steals to go along with his double-figure night. Jones didn’t get any time in the first game and that may have been a mistake.

The physicality of every game has been a tremendous surprise. Indiana is playing tenacious defense, not allowing the Bulls to move freely in space. Sometimes its Jones, and sometimes its Jeff Foster or Josh McRoberts.

Neither team can get very comfortable. While the Bulls are just one win away from advancing, the Pacers aren’t willing to just hand it over and will fight it out every game they can get. Indiana has led into the fourth quarter in each of the four games thus far. The problem is they have only captured one win, in game four.

Again, it’s crucial that the blue and gold get off to a strong start. The trouble then is maintaining the lead. They did much better on the glass while playing in Indianapolis after the total rebounding margin was atrocious. The final two keys will be turnovers of course and free throw attempts. If the Pacers don’t get to the line often, they are missing out on critical points, points that the Bulls are sure to take advantage of.

There’s no reason this Pacers team can’t get another win. I’ve heard many Chicago fans so confident, that one told me today that Indiana doesn’t even deserve to play in the D-League. Still no respect huh, after four close games.

I do know this: the Bulls better not overlook tonight’s home game because Frank Vogel will have his team prepared and ready to go and they are not willing to surrender.

The game tips off at 8:00 p.m. on TNT.