Pacers present 3-point threat

The Bulls will be vulnerable to one of their greatest team weaknesses tonight against Indiana.

The Pacers have become a team that likes to play at a fast pace and launch plenty of 3-pointers, while the Bulls are last in the NBA in 3-point percentage defense.

"They're a tough matchup, especially now without Jermaine (O'Neal, out with a knee injury)," Bulls coach Jim Boylan said. "They play smaller and they're shooting more 3-point shots.

"So we may have to do some things defensively that we don't normally. Guarding that 3-point line is going to be our No. 1 priority."

The Pacers are fourth in the league in 3-point baskets per game at 8.4, trailing only Golden State, Phoenix and Orlando. When these teams last met, Indiana drilled 11 of 24 shots from 3-point range while defeating the Bulls 117-102.

"They really got hot back at Indiana," guard Kirk Hinrich said. "You just have to have a conscious effort to try to get them off the line. Then have a feel for the game and know who's hot."

Duhon out a week: The Bulls are saying guard Chris Duhon will miss 7-10 days due to a left-knee bruise suffered late in a victory over Detroit on Saturday.

Forward Luol Deng skipped Tuesday's practice and is day to day with left Achilles' tendinitis. His participation tonight against Indiana will be based on how he feels before the game.

Meanwhile, Duhon's injury means that Thabo Sefolosha will remain a starter. The 6-foot-7 guard has started five straight games and probably had his worst performance Monday at Memphis when he finished with 6 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds and 5 fouls.

For now, the Bulls are not planning to add another guard to the roster. Rookie JamesOn Curry remains on indefinite suspension in the D-League after being arrested for public urination and resisting arrest last week.

"Thabo can play a little bit of point guard," coach Jim Boylan said. "Ben can play a little bit of point guard. We're just going to have to piece it together."

Bull horns: Because of a heavy schedule and six-day road trip, the Bulls held their first practice at the Berto Center in 12 days, going back to Jan. 10. … Assistant coach Ron Adams led a lengthy film session following Tuesday's practice with Thabo Sefolosha and Joakim Noah.

Tonight's tipoff

Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers at the United Center, 7:30 p.m.

TV: Comcast SportsNet

Radio: WMVP 1000-AM

Update: The Pacers (19-23) are holding the eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls are 2 games behind, which makes this a big game if anyone still believes the Bulls belong in the postseason. PF Jermaine O'Neal is out with a knee injury, but SF Mike Dunleavy (17.5 ppg) and PF Danny Granger (17.2) are playing well.

Series history: The Bulls' 117-102 loss at Indiana on Dec. 12 was a strange game. The Bulls went from a 16-point lead in the second quarter to a 21-point deficit in the fourth. The Pacers got hot from the outside and scored 97 points in the final three quarters.

Next: Charlotte Bobcats at the United Center, 7:30 p.m. Friday

-- Mike McGraw