The Pacers have been impressive against Eastern Conference opponents of late, dropping close games to the top teams and winning several games against the bloated middle tier of playoff contenders.
I consider the Cavaliers to be the elite team in the East followed by the Bulls a notch lower. After nearly a month, we may need to include the Heat with the Bulls, while the Pacers are leading the rest of the pack.
Maybe injuries and adjusting to Fred Hoiberg as the coach has brought the Bulls closer to the pack, but they are still going to be a tough out when the post season begins.