1. Chicago (62-20, 7-1) vs. 3. Indiana (54-28, 7-2)
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* Season series: 2-2.
* Story line: No East team has reached a Game 6 against the Bulls in their previous two title runs, but Indiana might.
Showing they’re competitive, the Pacers won in April at the United Center, while Michael Jordan shot seven for 19 and hit Mark Jackson in the head with the ball out of frustration. Jordan doesn’t list rail-thin Reggie Miller as one of the toughest defenders on him, but Reggie keeps his hands on him and Jordan doesn’t like it.
The Pacers are a tough, defensive team, but their starting frontcourt, with Rik Smits and Chris Mullin, has trouble rebounding, a problem against the Bulls, offensive boarding demons.
* Prediction: Bulls, 4-2. Playing them tough is one thing, beating them without home-court advantage something else.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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