The Milwaukee Bucks (49-33) travel to face off against the Indiana Pacers (47-35) on Thursday, May 2nd. This game will be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis and televised on TNT. The Bucks are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Pacers are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Pacers. Tip-off is set for 6:30 ET.

Bucks vs Pacers

Despite falling behind 31-23 in the first quarter, the Bucks turned things around in a hurry, outscoring the Pacers by a score of 30-17 in the 2nd quarter. Milwaukee continued to pull away in the 2nd half, as they outscored the Pacers 34-19 in the 3rd quarter. The Bucks easily covered the spread in this game, as they were 4.5-point underdogs heading into the game.

Milwaukee held the Pacers to just 44.4% shooting from the field and 31.6% shooting from three-point range. Bobby Portis and Khris Middleton each scored 29 points for the Bucks. Portis also grabbed 10 rebounds, and Middleton hit four threes on 57.1% shooting from outside. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 16 points.

Bucks Offense Breakdown

Looking at the Bucks scoring offense, they are averaging 119 points per game this season, which is the 4th best mark in the league. Their scoring average on the road is 116.6 points per contest, which is also 4th in the NBA. Milwaukee is also among the league leaders in pace this season, averaging 99.9 possessions per contest.

Khris Middleton has been playing well for the Bucks of late, averaging 26.8 points per game in his last five games. This has come while hitting 49.5% of his shots from the field. Over his last five games, Brook Lopez has hit 58.7% of his shots from the field and averaged 17.2 points per game. Damian Lillard has hit 5.3 threes per game in his last three games and 32.3 points per game in that stretch.

Pacers Offense Breakdown

Across their last five games, the Pacers have been getting some good production from Pascal Siakam, who is averaging 23 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Myles Turner is also playing well of late, averaging 22 points per game in that stretch, while hitting 3.6 threes per game. Indiana’s offense is the top-scoring offense in the league, at 123.3 points per game, and they are even better at home, with 125.4 points per contest.

Looking at Indiana’s pace this season, they are 3rd in the league, averaging 101.2 possessions per game. This has helped them lead the league in assists, at 30.8 per game. Tyrese Haliburton is questionable for the game, and over his last five games, he is averaging 15.8 points and 9.2 assists. For the season, he is averaging 20.1 points and 10.9 assists.

Bucks Team Defense

So far this season, the Milwaukee Bucks have given up 116.1 points per game, which is 21st in the NBA. When they are on the road, they have allowed 118.2 points per game, which is 22nd in the league. Over their last five games, the Bucks have given up 111.6 points per game.

When looking at their field goal percentage allowed, Milwaukee is 14th at 47.0%. In terms of three-point shooting percentage allowed, they are 12th at 35.4%. Over their last five games, they have given up a field goal percentage of 46.8% and a three-point percentage of 35%.

On the glass, the Bucks are 9th in the league in rebounds per game and 3rd in defensive rebounds. They are also 16th in blocked shots and 27th in steals.

Pacers Team Defense

As the Indiana Pacers prepare to take on the Milwaukee Bucks at home, they will look to improve upon their 27th ranked defense, which is allowing 119.8 points per game. So far this season, opponents have scored more than their season average in 70.7% of games vs. the Pacers.

One area where Indiana has excelled defensively is defending the three-point line. They are first in the NBA in three-pointers made allowed per game (10.8) and are giving up just 36.5% shooting from deep. In terms of overall field goal percentage allowed, they are 29th at 49.7%.

Despite being 28th in rebounds per game, the Pacers are 8th in blocked shots at 5.9 per game. They have also done a good job of not fouling, as they lead the league in fewest personal fouls.

Key Players For The Bucks And Pacers

In today’s game, we anticipate Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the scoring for the Bucks, contributing 30 points while shooting 12/19 from the field. During this season, he is delivering an average of 30.4 points per game, along with 11.5 rebounds.

On the opposing side, we anticipate Pascal Siakam to be the top scorer for the Pacers. Our projection has him finishing the game with 21, and he is expected to secure 7 rebounds. This season, he is shooting at a field goal percentage of 53.6%, and his scoring average is 21.7 points per game.

Bucks vs Pacers Trends

• In their last ten games away from home, the Bucks have a straight up record of 2-8 while going 4-6 vs. the spread. The team averaged 109 points per game in this stretch.
• Through their last ten home contests, the Pacers offense has averaged 118 points per game while allowing an average of 120. Indiana posted an overall record of 4-6 while going 4-6 ATS.
• In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Bucks have a straight up record of 2-3 and an ATS mark of 3-2.
• Through their previous five contests as the betting favorite, the Pacers have a strong record of 3-2. Their record vs the spread in these matchups is 2-3.

Bucks vs Pacers Prediction

Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +8, the Bucks is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 212.5, and our model projects the Bucks and Pacers to reach a combined total of 223 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

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

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* 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.