Mike McGraw’s game tracker

Bulls 99, Pacers 86

Setting the stage: With the Miami Heat waiting for them in Chicago, the Bulls made sure to concentrate on defense at Indiana. The Pacers shot 32.6 percent from the field. The first time these teams played on Dec. 13, the Bulls held Indiana to 35.6 percent shooting.

Expert boardwork: Derrick Rose was once again unstoppable, scoring 29 points. But veteran center Kurt Thomas pulled the biggest surprise, grabbing 18 rebounds.

Fan favorites: Accounts from Conseco Fieldhouse reported a 50-50 split between Bulls and Pacers fans. Rose was serenaded by the “MVP” chant and the Bulls received a standing ovation as time expired, since most of the Indiana fans had left.