Pacers Crush Bulls 145-126 in Lopsided Matchup

Indiana dominates Chicago in high-scoring affair at United Center

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:08pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring dynamic brushstrokes and neon colors that capture the raw intensity and fast-paced action of a high-scoring NBA basketball game.The Pacers' offensive explosion overwhelms the Bulls in a lopsided Central Division clash.Chicago Today

The Indiana Pacers handily defeated the Chicago Bulls 145-126 in a lopsided NBA matchup at the United Center in Chicago. The Pacers led by as many as 25 points and cruised to the victory, showcasing a balanced offensive attack that saw six players score in double figures.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the growing gap between the Pacers and Bulls, two Central Division rivals. Indiana has emerged as a contender in the Eastern Conference, while Chicago is still rebuilding and struggling to find consistency. The blowout loss is a setback for the Bulls as they aim to return to the playoffs.

The details

The Pacers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, shooting 55% from the field and 42% from three-point range. All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis led the way with 28 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Rookie guard Bennedict Mathurin added 24 points off the bench for Indiana. For the Bulls, DeMar DeRozan scored a team-high 25 points, but it wasn't enough to keep pace with the Pacers' offensive onslaught.

  • The game was played on April 2, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago.

The players

Domantas Sabonis

All-Star forward for the Indiana Pacers who led the team with 28 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists.

Bennedict Mathurin

Rookie guard for the Indiana Pacers who scored 24 points off the bench.

DeMar DeRozan

Star forward for the Chicago Bulls who scored a team-high 25 points in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We just couldn't find a way to slow them down tonight. Indiana was hitting on all cylinders and we couldn't match their intensity.”

— Billy Donovan, Head Coach, Chicago Bulls

“Our guys came out focused and executed the game plan to perfection. This was a total team effort and a great win on the road.”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach, Indiana Pacers

What’s next

The Bulls will look to bounce back in their next game against the Toronto Raptors on April 5th, while the Pacers will try to build on this win when they host the Milwaukee Bucks on April 7th.

The takeaway

This lopsided victory showcases the Pacers' status as an emerging contender in the East, while exposing the Bulls' continued struggles to find consistency and compete with the conference's top teams.