1. Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks
When discussing which NBA Cup matchup is the most intriguing for the Pacers next season, their game against the Bucks easily ranks number one.
First, unlike the other three games the Pacers will play in the NBA Cup, their game against the Bucks will be nationally televised on ESPN. Furthermore, they are true divisional rivals. Last season, the Bucks had a better record than Indiana by two games (and the Cleveland Cavaliers by one), barely earning their sixth consecutive Central Division title.
Additionally, this is a playoff rematch from this past postseason. Despite being the No. 3 seed, the Bucks lost to the Pacers in six games in the first round. The Bucks were without stars Giannis Antetokounmpo for the whole series and Damian Lillard for two games, however, who will likely be on the court during this NBA Cup matchup.
Currently, the top three in the Eastern Conference seems like a consensus with the Boston Celtics, Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers generally being considered the best teams. However, the Bucks and Pacers are knocking on the door, hoping to exceed expectations.
This is not only a great matchup on paper with interesting storylines, but the Pacers and Bucks should also provide the NBA world with an intense and entertaining basketball game.