The shorthanded Chicago Bulls were crushed by the Indiana Pacers before the second half.
Coming off a depleted roster while already eliminated from postseason contention, all the Chicago Bulls can do is try to finish the season with dignity.
However, one of the most disappointing teams of the season couldn't deliver for a mostly packed United Center crowd on Wednesday night. Without Josh Giddey, the Bulls faltered early, surrendering 83 first-half points and ultimately losing 145-126 to an also-shorthanded Indiana Pacers squad missing Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell.
Guerschon Yabusele, making a start Wednesday, led Chicago's scoring with 20 points while collecting six rebounds. Matas Buzelis followed with 17 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Colin Sexton posted 18 points with four assists.
On the opposing side, Pascal Siakam dominated with 25 points and five assists. Ethan Thompson contributed a team-second-high 19 points for Indiana.
Yabusele opened aggressively with a contested three-pointer. After both teams traded multiple buckets, the Pacers forced the first home timeout after building a 16-7 lead within the first four minutes. Following the break, Buzelis and Tre Jones broke the silence with four points. Sexton and Isaac Okoro combined for seven more, trimming the deficit to five.
Apr 1, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Kam Jones (7) defends against Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesThough the Bulls closed the gap, Indiana ripped off another double-digit lead as consecutive turnovers haunted Chicago. Yuki Kawamura checked in and immediately impacted the game defensively. His forced-turnover play leading to Buzelis' thunderous dunk and a pass to Jones for a cutting layup energized the United Center crowd, helping Chicago narrow the gap to six before the second quarter.
But Chicago disconnected at the start of the second period, watching the Pacers build another double-digit cushion after Jay Huff drilled two three-pointers. Pascal Siakam also emerged as Indiana's scoring catalyst, solidifying the visitors' advantage. As the Bulls' defense deteriorated and the Pacers kept attacking holes, the home team fell behind 83-66 at halftime.
The second half brought no relief for the Bulls while they remained derailed, watching the deficit balloon past 20 points. Thompson amplified Indiana's scoring surge with eight quick points. Patrick Williams' offensive struggles epitomized Chicago's anemic attack while the Pacers capitalized on every lapse, dominating 117-92 entering the final frame.
The Bulls deployed mostly reserves in the fourth quarter. Rob Dillingham and Lachlan Olbrich sparked brief runs for pride while the crowd on the stands gradually dispersed. Despite scoring 34 points in the quarter — their highest output of any frame — the Bulls absorbed a 19-point defeat.
Chicago will travel to New York on Friday, facing the Knicks at 6:30 p.m. CT for the sixth-to-last game of their 2025-26 NBA season.