The Eastern Conference is expected to many teams in play for the top spots. Naturally, the Miami Heat are predicted to rank high, along with the Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers who came on strong last season. With Derrick Rose back fully healed from an ACL tear, the Chicago Bulls will also be a strong contender. Already looking ahead to later in the season, Rose does not see the Pacers as a threat, something George Hill disagrees with.
The Bulls and Pacers have put on some great games in the past. However, they have not met in the postseason since 2011. The Bulls won in five games. Not looking to disrespect Indiana, Rose does not feel there is a real rivalry between the two teams, despite what some may think.
"People say that it's a rivalry, but I don't really see it," Rose said, via ESPNChicago.com. "I say the team that is more like a rivalry is when Darren Collison was on the team. That one was more like a rivalry, but this team is a great team. They've already proven themselves last year by making it to the Eastern Conference finals. If anything, by probably in a year or two, it could become a rival. But right now, people say it's a rival. ... I just don't see it right now."
Right now, Rose feels the biggest rivalry Chicago has is Miami. The Bulls and the Heat have met up several times in the postseason. Joakim Noah has said several times he has a real hatred towards the Heat. Rose has only a few times gotten past the team. He is preparing to beat Miami, not Indiana. Hill is positive there is rivalry between the two despite what Rose says.
"I don't know how [Rose] can say we're not rivals yet because we've been just as successful as they have been," Hill said, via HOOPSWORLD. "But all I know right now is we're the Central Division champions and for them, they have to come through us to get that. But if that's what he believes, then that's what he believes."
Danny Granger agrees with Hill, noting Chicago is very much a rival for the Pacers. The forward notes the Bulls are always tough to play on their home court. Plus the distance between the two teams is not that great as Granger recalls a mixed fanbase in the area.
Historically, the Bulls and Pacers have only met twice in the playoffs as Chicago won both times. The Bulls have won 95 of 176 meetings between the two teams. However, the Pacers are a team on the rise, so the Bulls can expect some solid games during the year.