8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

Road Warriors: Indiana Pacers travel to Milwaukee to play Bucks

By Jesse Smith

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 02: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball while being guarded by John Henson #31 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the second quarter at the Bradley Center on March 2, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 02: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball while being guarded by John Henson #31 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the second quarter at the Bradley Center on March 2, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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The Road Warriors series will be highlighting the Indiana Pacers road trips and how they have fared historically in opposing arenas. The series opens with a one-game road trip (does that count?) in Milwaukee.

Coming off a convincing 111-83 win against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Indiana Pacers travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks in a potential early season playoff preview.

The Bucks have been a trendy favorite to jump the Pacers in the Eastern Conference standings this season.  They squeaked out a victory against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, 113-112, to open their season.  Giannis Antetokounmpo, affectionately known as the “Greek Freak”, already looked to be in mid-season form, flirting with a triple-double (28/18/8).  Khris Middleton finished with 19 points and 9 rebounds to his credit.

According to Land of Basketball, this is the 188th meeting in the regular season between the Pacers and Bucks.  The Bucks lead the all-time series, 98-89.  The Pacers are 31-59 when traveling to Milwaukee.  Last season the Pacers won the season series 3-1 against their division opponent.

The Pacers won’t get to spend too much time in the city as they leave right after the game to catch a back-to-back against Brooklyn at home.  Not enough time there to enjoy the Twenty One Pilots or Lecrae concerts (playing at the Fiserv Forum and The Rave/Eagles Club) unfortunately.  Weather wise, it’s fall in the midwest, so expect mid-50’s weather if you are traveling to see the team.  There is also a 20 percent chance of rain on your way out.

Next. Pacers bench upgrades on display in win over Grizzlies. dark

Matchup to Watch: Pacers reserves versus Bucks reserves

I decided to not take the obvious “Victor Oladipo vs the Greek Freak” highlight because I truly believe this game will be won or lost on the backs of the benches.  The starting lineups of each team on paper look fairly even.  However, Domantas Sabonis had arguably the best game of any player on either team on Wednesday.  Combine that with Tyreke Evans’ distribution skills and the two should pick and roll their way through the Milwaukee reserve defense.  If the Indiana Pacers bench can run the same way they did (or at least close) on Wednesday, Oladipo should have plenty of time to catch his breath.

Prediction

Pacers win 104-100.

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