Looking to close out 2021 with a win, the Pacers headed to halftime on Wednesday afternoon at Gainbridge Fieldhouse trailing the Chicago Bulls, 54-50.
The Pacers entered Friday's matinee significantly undermanned, as Kelan Martin became the fifth player to test positive for COVID-19 this week, joining Malcolm Brogdon, Chris Duarte, Isaiah Jackson, and Jeremy Lamb in the NBA's health and safety protocols. Indiana had just 11 available players against Chicago, including two in Keifer Sykes and Nate Hinton that have signed with the team this week.
Still, the shorthanded squad hung tough with the Bulls early. Indiana's stout defense held Chicago to just 8-of-22 shooting in the first quarter.