Bucks vs. Pacers NBA expert prediction and odds for Thursday, Nov. 9 (Bet the OVER)

The first of two NBA games on Thursday night will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana, as the Indiana Pacers and Tyrese Haliburton host Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and the Milwaukee Bucks. 

This should be a good matchup between two teams that are over. 500 – especially since the Pacers entered this game with the No. 1 offense in the NBA. 

After sitting Khris Middleton last night in their win over the Detroit Pistons, the Bucks should be at full strength for the second game of this back-to-back. 

Meanwhile, Indiana is coming off a win over the Utah Jazz, and it’s looking to give a division rival a scare in this matchup. 

Who has the edge in the betting market? 

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Bucks vs. Pacers odds, spread and total

Bucks vs. Pacers how to watch

• Date: Thursday, Nov. 9
• Game Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
• Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
• How to Watch (TV): NBA TV
• Milwaukee Bucks Record: 5-2
• Indiana Pacers Record: 5-3 

Bucks vs. Pacers injury reports

Milwaukee Bucks injury report

• Injury report not submitted yet

Indiana Pacers injury report

• Injury report not submitted yet

Bucks vs. Pacers key players to watch

Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo: Last night, Antetokounmpo looked to be on his way to a big game before he was ejected for taunting in the Bucks’ win over the Detroit Pistons. Even though his scoring numbers are down this season, Giannis is still one of the best players in the NBA. 

After getting tossed last night, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Giannis have a big game against a weak Indiana defense. 

Indiana Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton: One of the best guards in the NBA, Haliburton is the engine that makes this Pacers team go. He’s averaging 22.9 points and 11.9 assists per game this season, leading Indiana to the No. 1 offensive rating in the NBA. 

Aaron Nesmith: A former lottery pick, Nesmith is coming into his own with the Pacers this season. He scored 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting last night, moving his season average to 12.9 points per game while shooting 48.6 percent from 3-point range.

Bucks vs. Pacers prediction and pick

This game has OVER written all over it – pun not intended. 

The Bucks and Pacers have both struggled defensively this season, ranking 26th (Indiana) and 25th (Milwaukee) in defensive rating this season. 

Indiana has been able to make up for it with the league’s No. 1 offense, and the team plays at a blistering pace (No. 2 in the NBA).

Milwaukee should have no problem matching that – the team is sixth in the NBA in pace – and that should lead to a high-scoring affair. 

Milwaukee combined for 238 points with the Pistons last night, and that came without Middleton and one-half of the game with Giannis. 

Meanwhile, the Pacers put up a combined 252 points – their third straight game clearing this total set for tonight. 

I’ll take the OVER. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey's betting record here.