Why Does Pacers vs. Bulls Matter?

Chicago participated in the previous two NBA Play-In Tournaments, but the Miami Heat ruined its playoff opportunity by beating the franchise on both occasions. Once again, the Bulls hover in the tournament's bubble. They also have the potential to improve to a higher seed, which is where the Pacers come into play.

At 19-18, the Pacers hold the eighth seed in a disappointing Eastern Conference masquerading as parity. Nonetheless, their recent success hasn't significantly pushed them past the Bulls. Despite winning their last four of five games, they haven't dented the Eastern Conference standings. That said, Wednesday's contest is more than a random game in January. 

Indiana could spiral further into irrelevance as a loss to Chicago would tie the franchise closer to a team suffering from the same existence but at a longer rate. 

The last time the two teams dueled, the Pacers bested the Bulls 132-123 on Dec. 6. 

Coincidentally, the Bulls experienced the same five-game stretch as the Pacers, going 4-1 in their last five contests. With wins over the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, and Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago's stretch warrants attention. 

The Pacers are preparing to defeat an opponent that threatens its playoff aspirations. Considering the two team's recent success, the game should finish with as much drama as the NBA Play-In Tournament.