The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 at the Fiserv Forum on Sunday night. Here’s a Pacers vs Bucks prediction.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers had a bit of a streaky season to say the least, but they are coming into the playoffs with plenty of momentum after winning six of their last eight games of the regular season to book a matchup with the Bucks in the first round. Pascal Siakam was the big mid-season trade for the Pacers and he led the scoring with averages of 21.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, Tyrese Haliburton averaged 20.1 points and 10.9 assists per game while Myles Turner averaged 17.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. As a team, the Pacers scored an average of 123.3 points per game while shooting 50.7 percent from the field and 37.4 percent from the 3-point line.
Milwaukee Bucks
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks could be coming into this series low on confidence as they lost eight of their last 11 games of the regular season and they are still missing their leader, Giannis Antetokounmpo who is doubtful for the series opener. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team this season with averages of 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, Damian Lillard averaged 24.3 points and 7.0 assists per game while Khris Middleton played 55 games and averaged 15.1 points and 5.3 assists per game. As a team, the Bucks scored 119.0 points per game while shooting 48.7 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from the 3-point line.
Milwaukee Bucks Team Facts
- The Bucks have won 18 of their last 19 home games against Central Division opponents following a loss.
- The Bucks have failed to cover the spread in 10 of their last 11 games as underdogs against Central Division opponents.
- Seven of the last eight night games between the Pacers and Bucks have gone OVER the total points line.
Indiana Pacers Team Facts
- The Pacers have lost each of their last nine Eastern Conference First Round games following a win.
- The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last eight Eastern Conference First Round games.
- Seven of the Pacers’ last eight playoff games as favorites have gone UNDER the total points line.
Pacers vs Bucks prediction
The Pacers are still slightly shorthanded with Bennedict Mathurin still out, but that is nothing compared to the Bucks, who will likely be missing Antetokounmpo for the series opener. The Bucks have more than enough firepower to draw first blood in this series, even if Antetokounmpo isn’t able to suit up. The Pacers won the regular season by 4-1, and they are clearly the team in better form at the moment. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Bucks get the win here, but I am sticking with the hotter team right now, and that is the more settled Pacers.