Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

What: Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks

Where: Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, WI

When: Thursday, March 7th at 8:00 PM EST

How (TV/Radio): TNT, Fox Sports Wisconsin | 1070 The Fan/107.5 FM, 620 AM/103.3 FM WTMJ

Indiana Pacers (Away)

Head Coach: Nate McMillan {All-Time 609-549 | SEA, POR, IND}

The Indiana Pacers, along with the other top five teams in the East, lost their most recent game. They maintain their position of third in the East with a record of 41-23, but just have a half-game lead over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Despite some recent slip-ups, the Indiana Pacers have been as dangerous as ever without star guard Victor Oladipo out of the lineup. While they lost their most recent match to the red-hot Orlando Magic, they’ve generally taken care of business as they’ve accumulated a 6-4 record over their last ten.

The Indiana Pacers will be suiting up against a dangerous Milwaukee Bucks team, who have proven themselves against the entirety of the NBA. The Pacers are currently 1-2 against the Milwaukee Bucks this season and this will be the last match between the two in the season series. The Pacers were able to run the Bucks off the line in their last match, but couldn’t stop them on the inside. They’ll try to correct those errors in their last meeting.

Milwaukee Bucks (Home)

Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer {All-Time 261-213 | ATL, MIL}

The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off of back-to-back losses at the end of their most recent road trip. With a record of 48-16, the Milwaukee Bucks sit at the top of the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately for the Bucks, their recent losing skid leaves them with only two games between them and the Toronto Raptors.

Despite recent struggles, the Milwaukee Bucks are still consistently the best team in the NBA. Over their last ten games, the Milwaukee Bucks are 7-3 with some impressive wins over the Pacers, Celtics, and Kings.

The Milwaukee Bucks are finally back home after being on the road since February 25th. They face off against an incredibly efficient Indiana Pacers team with a penchant for tough defense and economical shooting. It has generally been a close contest between the two sides, so it will be interesting to see which team sets the tone going into the playoffs.

What’s At Stake?

The Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers have maintained a competitive history. In 190 games all-time, the Milwaukee Bucks lead the Indiana Pacers 100-90.

A win for the Milwaukee Bucks would give them a 2.5 game lead over the Toronto Raptors who are second in the East.

A win for the Indiana Pacers would help them hold off the Philadelphia 76ers who are just 0.5 games behind them in fourth place.

Questions to answer

What can Indiana learn from their recent loss?

How did the Suns control Giannis?

We are going to compare the Indiana Pacers and the Milwaukee Bucks in an attempt to see who has the advantage in this matchup.

The Pacers Collapsed In The Fourth

It was always going to be a tough matchup for the Indiana Pacers when they faced off against the Orlando Magic. While the Magic aren’t the cream of the crop, they’ve been on an impressive run of form as of late. Seeing as the Magic took down the Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors, and Milwaukee Bucks, the Magic certainly felt capable against the Pacers.

A big part of the Pacers’ problems was once again a slow start. After the tip, the Indiana Pacers were forced to chase the Magic as they ran out to an early 10-0 lead. Bojan Bogdanovic led the team with 25 points, while Darren Collison added 23 points and 10 assists and the lead was cut down going into the fourth.

Unfortunately the Magic were able to turn up the heat and the Pacers bench couldn’t cope. Going into the final frame all the responsibility was on the starters to hold the lead but they were unable to. If the Pacers learned anything, it is that their egalitarian offense is only effective when all members are contributing. If not, they no longer have a star wing to turn to.

The Bucks Lost To The Lowly Phoenix Suns

In the Bucks’ most recent match, they faced a harsh reality when they lost to the lowly Phoenix Suns. That reality is that the Milwaukee Bucks are a strong team, but inexperience and complacency can be taken advantage of. Even by the weakest teams.

The Phoenix Suns limited Giannis Antetokounmpo in that match. Incredible to say, considering he posted 21 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals, but he was challenged at the rim every time and very simply looked spent by the end of the match.

Evidenced by his six turnovers and 5-10 night from the free throw line, the Bucks play a dangerous game putting all of their pressure on Antetokounmpo. There will have to be times that The Greek Freak is able to delegate playmaking to a teammate and there is no drop-off in quality. Whether the likes of Bledsoe or Brogdon can provide that is yet to be seen.

Indiana Pacers Roster Notes

F Alize Johnson – 4 Mar 2019 – Out (Foot) – Johnson has been ruled OUT for Tuesday’s (Mar 5) game.

G Victor Oladipo – 28 Jan 2019 – Out For Season (Ruptured Right Quadricep Tendon) – The Pacers announced Oladipo had a successful surgery on Monday (Jan 28) to repair a ruptured quad tendon in his right knee and is expected to make a full recovery.

F Domantas Sabonis – 4 Mar 2019 – Out (Ankle) – Sabonis has been ruled OUT for Tuesday’s (Mar 5) game.

Milwaukee Bucks Roster Notes

G Sterling Brown – 4 Mar 2019 – Day To Day (Wrist) – Brown has been ruled OUT for Monday’s (Mar 4) game.

G Donte DiVincenzo – 4 Mar 2019 – Day To Day (Bilateral Heel Bursitis) – DiVincenzo has been ruled OUT for Monday’s (Mar 4) game.

G George Hill – 4 Mar 2019 – Day To Day (Adductor) – Hill has been ruled OUT for Monday’s (Mar 4) game.

Head-to-Head: Tyreke Evans (IND) vs Khris Middleton (MIL)

When the Pacers and Bucks meet again there will be a key matchup between two important wing pieces. Neither Khris Middleton or Tyreke Evans performed up to standard for their team in their most recent losses, so they are sure to rebound in this match between Eastern Conference heavyweights.

Tyreke Evans

Shooting Guard | 6-6, 220lb (198cm, 99kg) | Memphis | Exp. 9 Years

10.0 PPG | 2.4 APG | 2.7 RPG | 0.9 SPG | 0.3 BPG | 1.7 TOV | .386 FG% | .356 3P%

In his last match against the Orlando Magic, Tyreke Evans certainly could’ve provided more for the Indiana Pacers. He was ineffective in only 13 minutes of play, going 1-5 from the field and 0-2 from three. As the second playmaker off the bench, paired with Cory Joseph, the Pacers need Evans to be the aggressive force he can be if they want to take down the mighty Bucks.

Khris Middleton

Shooting Guard | 6-8, 222lb (203cm, 100kg) | Texas A&M | Exp. 6 Years

17.4 PPG | 4.3 APG | 6.0 RPG | 1.0 SPG | 0.1 BPG | 2.3 TOV | .427 FG% | .379 3P%

Khris Middleton always provides the correct defensive effort when he steps on the court. He’s not the flashiest defender, but his intelligence and athleticism combine to become an impressive anchor at the back. Unfortunately, in his last match, Middleton was awful from the field. One of the leagues more efficient shooting wings, the first-time All-Star was 1-13 from the field and 1-7 from deep. His scoring is needed if the Bucks want to win, he’ll certainly attempt to get back on track against the Pacers.

Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks Predictions and Odds

The oddsmakers have the Milwaukee Bucks favored over the Indiana Pacers by 11, with an over/under of 110.