NBA: Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction 1/1/2024
PublishedJanuary 1, 2024,            Posted By: Maria Uebelhor
Last updated:January 1, 2024 , ,

NBA: Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction 1/1/2024

The Indiana Pacers (17-14) travel to face off against the Milwaukee Bucks (24-8) on Monday, January 1st. This game will be played at Fiserv Forum. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.

Pacers vs Bucks

The Pacers Are Coming Off A Winindiana pacers

The Pacers notched a win against the Knicks in their most recent game, concluding with a score of 140-126. the Pacers not only secured a victory straight-up but also did so while covering the spread as -4-point favorites. The over/under line heading into this matchup was 249.5 points in which the two teams surpassed.

In today’s matchup against the Bucks, the Pacers will try to stay above .500. So far, they are 17-14 overall. In Eastern Conference games, they are 14-10 compared to 3-4 in non-conference games.

Currently, Indiana holds an above .500 ATS record of 17-14 so far this year. With a two game ATS win streak as favorites, the Pacers are 8-7 against the spread when they are underdogs.

The Bucks Are Coming Off A Winmilwaukee bucks

In the game against the Cavaliers, Giannis Antetokounmpo was the top scorer for Milwaukee, recording 34 points. His field goal percentage for the game was 51.2%. As the Bucks secured the victory with a final score of 119-111, Damian Lillard also chipped in with 31 points.

In their last ten games, the Bucks are 9-1 and have an overall record of 24-8 as they prepare to take on the Pacers. In Eastern Conference play, the Bucks are 20-8 and are 4-0 in non-conference games.

Against the spread, the Bucks have covered in two straight games and have an overall ATS record of 15-17. Milwaukee has covered the spread in two straight road games and are 8-6 ATS on the road compared to 7-11 at home.

Pacers Offense Breakdown

Coming into today’s action, Indiana is averaging 126.6 points per contest. This figure places them 1st in the league. In terms of pace, the Pacers are one of the top units in the NBA, averaging 102.5 possessions per game. The team not only plays at an up-tempo pace but also combines this style with one of the NBA’s superior field goal percentages, standing at 50%.

Bucks Offense Breakdown

For the season, the Milwaukee offense is the 2nd ranked unit in the NBA, at 125 points per contest. The Bucks come into the game as one of the league’s better 3-point shooting teams, connecting at a rate of 14.5 made 3’s per game. In addition to their strong outside shooting numbers, the team is playing at one of the fastest paces in the NBA, averaging 102 possessions per contest.

Pacers Team Defense

Coming into the game, the Pacers’ defense is giving up an average of 124.8 points per game. So far, they have given up more points than the NBA league average in 74.2% of their games. On two point field goal attempts, the Pacers’ defensive unit is allowing a field goal percentage of 55.7% and allowing 38.5% from beyond the arc.

Bucks Team Defense

At this time, the Bucks’ defense is positioned 24th in the NBA, permitting 118.9 points per game. When it comes to forced turnovers, the Bucks are forcing 13.1 per game, which is 16th in the league. They also come into the game sitting 13th in blocked shots at 5.6 per game.

Key Players For The Pacers And Bucks

Our game forecasts for today suggest that Tyrese Haliburton is set to be the main scorer for the Pacers, recording 21 points and shooting 8/15 from the field. Throughout this season, his average stands at 24.6 points per game, along with 4 rebounds.

On the other side, Giannis Antetokounmpo is our projected leading scorer for the Bucks. We have him ending the game with a team-high 34 and grabbing 13 rebounds. This season, he is shooting at a field goal percentage of 60.8%, and his scoring average is 30.9 points per game.

Pacers vs Bucks Trends

  • When looking at their past three road matchups, Indiana has an ATS record of 2-1 while averaging 115 per game. The team went 2-1 overall in these games.
  • When looking at their past five home matchups, Milwaukee has an ATS record of 3-2 while averaging 125 per game. The team went 3-2 overall in these games.
  • Going back to their last ten games as the underdog, the Pacers have a straight up record of 5-5. But, their mark vs the spread was just 5-5.
  • As the betting favorite, the Bucks have an ATS record of 2-1 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight up record was 2-1.

Pacers vs Bucks Prediction

For today’s matchup we are recommending to take the Bucks to secure the win, with an expected final score of 157-130. When it comes to the spread, we believe they’ll cover at -7.5.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 260, and our model predicts the Pacers and Bucks to score a combined 287 points. We recommend betting on the over.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.