With Stephen Curry chasing history (and he finally did!), the Golden State Warriors managed to pull off a come-from-behind win over the streaking Indiana Pacers, putting an end to the Blue and Gold’s three-game winning streak. Entering Wednesday, they now boast a 12-17 record, still sitting at 13th in the East.
Still, the Pacers are playing well recently, and a big test now awaits them as they are on deck for their third meeting against the defending champions. Well, a big test, supposedly.
The Milwaukee Bucks, currently third in the conference, will banner a shorthanded roster against Indiana. Three players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, are already held out due to health and safety protocols while four others could miss the game due to injuries. This could be an opportune moment for the Pacers to bounce back from their loss to the Dubs and finally break their cold spell against Milwaukee.
On the season, the Pacers are 3-10 on the road and 7-12 against the East while the Bucks are 9-4 at the Fiserv Forum and 13-8 against conference foes. Indiana ranks 11th in offensive rating and 12th in defensive rating while Milwaukee sits at sixth and eighth, respectively, on the same departments.
Pacers at Bucks Odds, Spread, Over/Under & Betting Pick
The latest odds from WynnBET (sign up with this link) have the visiting Pacers as -1.5 favorites on the road against the defending champs Bucks. Meanwhile, Indiana is a -125 moneyline favorite while Milwaukee is currently a +105 moneyline underdog.
The over/under for this contest has been set at 217.0. A high-scoring affair is anticipated.
Projected Pacers Starting Lineup Tonight
SF: Justin Holiday
PF: Domantas Sabonis
C: Myles Turner
SG: Caris LeVert
PG: Malcolm Brogdon
Pacers Injury Report
Justin Holiday, who missed the last six games due to COVID-19 and reconditioning, will be a game time decision. TJ McConnell (wrist) and TJ Warren (left foot) remain out for this game.
Head coach Rick Carlisle, who tested positive for the virus, is once again shelved for this contest as lead assistant Lloyd Pierce continues to man the head coaching spot on the interim.
Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks Prediction
I do not completely trust Indiana to tally a convincing win against a shorthanded team, particularly Milwaukee, which still packs a punch with Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton (if he plays). The Bucks have long been the Pacers’ kryptonite, and despite missing the Greek Freak, their style of play on both ends is a sustainable blueprint for success on a nightly basis.
However, with their spirited play recently, I expect the Pacers to assert their will on the interior and feast inside without Antetokounmpo. The Bucks’ three-point shooting and perimeter D will keep this a very tight one, but Milwaukee’s residual firepower could pale in comparison in the late game to a healthier Indiana squad.
Pacers 106, Bucks 101
Make your pick now on WynnBET.
What channel is the Indiana Pacers game on?
Wednesday’s contest will air on Bally Sports Indiana (Indianapolis) and Bally Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee) and will tip off at 8 pm ET.
Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks Live Stream
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Pacers Next Game and Schedule
The Pacers make a quick turnaround at home against Detroit on the second night of a back-to-back, followed by a road game against Miami following a rare four-day break and a home game against Houston for their last game before Christmas. A roadie for the second time at Chicago follows.
Dec. 16 vs Detroit
Dec. 21 @ Miami
Dec. 23 vs Houston
Dec. 26 @ Chicago