The Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers meet Tuesday in the NBA playoffs Game 2 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Here’s a Pacers vs Bucks Prediction. This article will include a Pacers vs Bucks Pick.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
The Milwaukee Bucks hope to rebound from a blowout loss to even up the series at 1-1. The Bucks have won eight of their last nine games.
The Milwaukee Bucks are averaging 98 points on 41.7 percent shooting and allowing 117 points on 51.9 percent shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 36 points and 12 rebounds, while AJ Green is averaging 15 points and 3 rebounds. Gary Trent Jr. is the third double-digit scorer, and Kevin Porter Jr. is grabbing 5 rebounds. The Milwaukee Bucks are shooting 24.3 percent from beyond the arc and 67.9 percent from the free-throw line. The Milwaukee Bucks are allowing 38.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41 rebounds per game.
Indiana Pacers Betting Preview
The Indiana Pacers look for another win to take a comfortable 2-0 series lead. The Pacers have lost just two home games since February 26.
The Indiana Pacers are averaging 117 points on 51.9 percent shooting and allowing 98 points on 41.7 percent shooting. Pascal Siakam is averaging 25 points and 7 rebounds, while Myles Turner is averaging 19 points and 5 rebounds. Andrew Nembhard is the third double-digit scorer, and Benedict Mathurin is grabbing 5 rebounds. The Indiana Pacers are shooting 38.2 percent from beyond the arc and 76.9 percent from the free-throw line. The Indiana Pacers are allowing 24.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43 rebounds per game.
Why the Indiana Pacers will win
- The Bucks have lost each of their last eight road games against Pacers teams that held a winning record.
- The Pacers have won each of their last nine games as home favorites against the Bucks.
- The Bucks have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine Eastern Conference First Round games as road underdogs.
- The Pacers have covered the spread in seven of their last eight playoff home games.
Why the Milwaukee Bucks will win
- The Bucks have won each of their last seven night games.
- The Pacers have lost eight of their last nine Game 2s of a playoff series.
- The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in 12 of their last 13 night games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Bucks have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games against the Pacers following a road loss.
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.
Milwaukee Bucks Player Facts
- Giannis Antetokounmpo ranks 1st in the league for points in the paint (1308) this season.
- Taurean Prince ranks 1st amongst qualified Forwards for 3P% (43.9%) this season.
Pacers vs Bucks Injury Report
The Milwaukee Bucks will be without Tyler Smith. Damian Lillard is questionable with a calf injury. Lillard was dealing with a blood clot situation and hasn’t played since March 18. Lillard has played in 65 career playoff games and adds a much-needed scoring option to the Bucks.
The Pacers will continue to be without Isaiah Jackson due to a torn Achilles.
Pacers vs Bucks Prediction
I liked the Bucks to win this series because they have the best player on the court, and they’re a big team that can be physical with the Pacers. For this game, it depends on if Lillard returns. Watch the injury report before betting. The Bucks clearly have offensive issues, but a return of Lillard changes things and takes pressure off Antetokounmpo to do everything.
Seeing Lillard talk with Tyrese Haliburton during game 1 gives me confidence in the Bucks. Like Luka, Lillard is one of those guys you don’t want to upset, and if he plays, the Bucks could be in business. Also, remember the Pacers are 37-45-1 ATS despite 51 wins. The Bucks have 44 covers and are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games as an underdog. Again, a lot has to do with the potential return of Lillard, but at the time of this writing give me the bucket with the Bucks.