Pacers: Bulls "Stole Our Mojo" — Giddey Chasing Haliburton

Chicago surged to 6-1 before slipping to 9-10, and a Pacers source says the Bulls are trying to "emulate" Indiana’s Finals formula — even claiming "They stole our mojo." The parallel centers on Josh Giddey filling a Tyrese Haliburton-type role with a fast pace, late comebacks and heavy playmaking, but Chicago lacks Indiana’s defense and a clear second star like Pascal Siakam. Merlin sees the pattern: Giddey’s near–triple-double (20.5/10.0/9.3) proves the offense can purr, yet the Bulls’ blueprint needs a sturdier spine to endure. If inconsistency continues, expect the front office to test the market for a Siakam-level piece — starting with a pressure-packed stopgap in Orlando on Monday.