Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers NBA Betting prediction
PublishedJanuary 3, 2024,            Posted By: Maria Uebelhor
Last updated:January 3, 2024 , ,

NBA Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers Prediction 1/3/2024

The Milwaukee Bucks (24-9) travel to face off against the Indiana Pacers (18-14) on Wednesday, January 3rd. This game will be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Bucks are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Bucks. Tip-off is set for 7:00 ET.

Bucks vs Pacers

The Bucks Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

In their most recent game, the Bucks tell to the Pacers by a score of 122-113. The Bucks not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread as -8 point favorites. Concerning the over/under, the total of 235 points remained below the established over/under line of 261.5.

So far this season, the Bucks have a record of 24-9 and have gone 2-1 in their last three games. In Eastern Conference play, the Bucks are 20-9 and are 4-0 in non-conference matchups.

Milwaukee comes in with an overall ATS record of 15-18 so far this season. In their last two road games, Milwaukee has successfully covered the spread, and they hold an ATS record of 8-6 on the road in contrast to 7-12 at home.

The Pacers Are Coming Off A Win

The Pacers’ most recent matchup against the Bucks saw Tyrese Haliburton lead the Pacers with 26 points while shooting 11/22 from the field. The Pacers picked up a 122-113 win, and Bennedict Mathurin also added 25 points which was 2nd on the team.

As they prepare to take on the Bucks, the Pacers have an overall record of 18-14 and are looking to stay above .500. In home games, the Pacers are 9-7 compared to their 9-7 record on the road.

Indiana comes in with an overall ATS record of 18-14 so far this season. On the road, the Pacers have an ATS record of 9-7, as opposed to a 9-7 record against the spread when playing at home.

Bucks Offense Breakdown

Heading into play, the Bucks’ offense is rated 2nd in the league in scoring, averaging 124.6 points per contest. In terms of pace, the Bucks are one of the top units in the NBA, averaging 102.1 possessions per game. Not only is the team playing at an up-tempo pace, but they have been able to pair this style with one of the better field goal percentages in the NBA at 50%.

Pacers Offense Breakdown

Today, the Pacers enter the game as one of the NBA’s top-scoring teams, averaging 126.4 points per game (1st). When looking at the Pacers pace of play, they tend to play an up-tempo style of basketball. So far, the team is in the upper half of the NBA in possessions per game, averaging 102.6. A key aspect of the team’s offensive success is their ability to pair an up-tempo style of play with efficient outside shooting. So far, they are the 5th ranked team in 3-point shooting percentage.

Bucks Team Defense

Looking at the Bucks defense, they will be looking for a better performance considering they are currently conceding 119.0 points per game (24th). The Milwaukee defense has allowed opponents to shoot 32.7% from beyond the arc this season. Opposing teams are also hitting 47.0% of their field goal attempts vs. Milwaukee.

Pacers Team Defense

On defense, the Pacers come into the game ranked 29th in the league in points allowed at 124.4 per game. Over their last three games, the team is allowing 114.3 points per contest (30th). In the terms of takeaways, Pacers are causing 12.9 turnovers per game, ranking 13th in the league. They also enter the matchup ranked 2nd in rejections, averaging 6.6 blocked shots each game.

Key Players For The Bucks And Pacers

In today’s game, our projections have Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the Bucks with 30 points on 11/19 shooting from the field. For the season, he has been averaging 30.9 points per game, in addition to 11.3 rebounds.

On the flip side, our predictions place Tyrese Haliburton as the leading scorer for the Pacers. We expect him to conclude the game with a team-high 21 while also collecting 3 rebounds. Throughout the season, he has maintained a 50.1% field goal shooting rate and is averaging 24.7 points per game.

Bucks vs Pacers Trends

  • When looking at their past five road matchups, Milwaukee has an ATS record of 3-2 while averaging 125 per game. The team went 3-2 overall in these games.
  • When looking at their past five home matchups, Indiana has an ATS record of 3-2 while averaging 115 per game. The team went 3-2 overall in these games.
  • Indiana has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 2-1 SU and 2-1 ATS in their last three games.
  • The last ten games that Milwaukee was favored, they have an ATS mark of 6-4 while going 8-2 straight up.

 

Bucks vs Pacers Prediction

 

We’re putting our money on the Bucks to win, and have the projected score sitting at 119-115. We also like them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to bet on the Bucks at -3.5.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 257.5 and given that our model is projecting 234 points between the teams, we like the under.

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.