Indiana Pacers Betting Preview
The Indiana Pacers had all the momentum coming into Milwaukee, but now they find themselves in a real series battle after they lost by 117-101 in Game 3 on Friday. Pascal Siakam led the team with 28 points on 12 of 19 shooting, Aaron Nesmith added 18 points with seven rebounds and three assists, while Tyrese Haliburton tallied 14 points with seven rebounds and 10 assists.
As a team, the Pacers shot 43 percent from the field and 13 of 41 from the 3-point line as they started strong with 31 points in the second quarter to take a 10-point lead into halftime. Only to get completely blown out by 70-44 in the second half as they just had no answer for the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr who torched them for 37 points apiece. The Pacers only had three players finishing in double figures in scoring, and they needed much more from Myles Turner, who shot just one of nine for his six points with four turnovers.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks are still trailing in the series, but they must be brimming with confidence following their big win in Game 3. Giannis Antetokounmpo continued his terrific form with 37 points, 12 rebounds and six assists on 14 of 19 shooting, Gary Trent Jr drained nine 3-pointers to finish with 37 points on 11 of 16 shooting while AJ Green chipped in with 12 points off the bench.
As a team, the Bucks shot 47 percent from the field and 15 of 41 from the 3-point line as they looked to be in deep trouble when they started to fall behind going into halftime. Before they dominated the third quarter by 39-18 to make it look easy in the end. Damian Lillard had a rough game as he shot just two of 12 for his seven points, while Kevin Porter Jr finished scoreless on zero of five shooting off the bench.
Why the Milwaukee Bucks will win
- The home team has won each of the Bucks’ last seven Eastern Conference First Round games.
- The Pacers have lost each of their last four games at Fiserv Forum.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of the Bucks’ last six playoff games.
- The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine Eastern Conference First Round games as underdogs.
Why the Indiana Pacers will win
- The Bucks have lost each of their last seven playoff games following a win.
- The Pacers have won each of their last four games as road underdogs following a loss.
- The Bucks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven playoff games following a win.
- The Pacers have covered the spread in each of their last six playoff games against Central Division opponents following a loss.
Milwaukee Bucks Player Facts
- Giannis Antetokounmpo ranks 1st in the league for points in the paint (1308) this season.
- Damian Lillard ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for FT% (92.1%) this season.
Indiana Pacers Player Facts
- Tyrese Haliburton ranks 1st amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (5.6) this season.
- Myles Turner ranks 1st in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for Blocks Per Game (2.0) this season.
Bucks vs Pacers Prediction
The Pacers are still keeping an eye on Bennedict Mathurin who is questionable due to an adominal contusion, while the Bucks have listed Tyler Smith as questionable. The Pacers missed out on a big chance to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. I think it may come back to bite them, as the Bucks were able to win comfortably in Game 3 despite a combined seven points from Lillard and Porter Jr, which won’t happen again this season.
The Pacers are still a long way from being in trouble as they still hold home-court advantage, but the Bucks hold the momentum. Antetokounmpo is still on fire, and I think they can square things up with a narrow win and cover at home in this spot.