Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Picks and Predictions for Monday, October 26, 2026
Milwaukee is three games into the new season and still looking for its first victory. The Bucks get another opportunity Monday when Indiana visits Fiserv Forum for an 8:00 pm ET tipoff on NBA League Pass. Milwaukee sits fifth in the Central Division at 0-3 after losing 127-116 in Philadelphia on Saturday. Indiana is second in the division with a 1-1 record. The Pacers opened with a win over New Orleans but couldn't keep that going Friday, losing 121-105 to Dallas. Milwaukee has surrendered at least 127 points in every game so far. Check out our free NBA picks for Monday's other matchups.
Indiana Pacers Looking to Bounce Back
Indiana started with a close one in New Orleans, beating the Pelicans 123-120 on Wednesday. The Pacers returned home Friday to face Dallas, but that game didn't go nearly as well. The Mavericks held Indiana to 105 points and won by 16. Indiana has now scored 228 points in two games while giving up 241. The Pacers made 48.3% of their field-goal attempts during those contests, but they've also committed 32 turnovers. Rebounding has been another area to watch, with Indiana collecting 85 boards through its first two games.
Pascal Siakam has been Indiana's leading scorer, putting up 53 points in two appearances. He's also grabbed 11 rebounds and made 21 of his 36 field-goal attempts. Tyrese Haliburton has scored 41 points and handed out 19 assists, while Andrew Nembhard has 34 points and 14 assists. Obi Toppin has contributed 33 points, and Ivica Zubac has been busy under the basket with 26 rebounds and three blocked shots. The Pacers have five players averaging double figures, although keeping possession of the ball has been a problem early on.
Injuries: Aaron Nesmith is questionable with a hamstring injury. T.J. McConnell is out with a hamstring injury, while Ben Sheppard and Johnny Furphy are sidelined with knee injuries.
Milwaukee Bucks Still Searching for Their First Win
Milwaukee's first three games have all ended the same way, with another loss and too many points conceded. Washington beat the Bucks 128-116 in their opener. Chicago then came to Milwaukee on Friday and won 132-125, despite the Bucks putting together their highest-scoring performance of the season. Saturday's trip to Philadelphia brought a 127-116 defeat. That's 387 points allowed in three games, an average of 129. Milwaukee has scored 357 points, or 119 per contest. The Bucks have been competitive offensively, but getting stops has been a different story.
Tyler Herro averaged 28 points and 6.5 assists over Milwaukee's first two games, shooting 50% from the field and 47.4% from three-point range. Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributed 20.5 points and 8.5 rebounds during those outings. Kasparas Jakucionis added 11 points and four assists, while Myles Turner averaged 10.5 points and 2.5 blocks. Milwaukee shot 48.9% from the field through those first two games, including 41.5% from beyond the arc. The Bucks have plenty of scoring options, but their defense has yet to match that production.
Injuries: No Milwaukee injuries reported.
Key To The Game
Milwaukee has allowed 129 points per game, while Indiana has struggled with turnovers. Haliburton's passing gives the Pacers an opportunity to exploit the Bucks' defense, but Indiana needs to avoid giving Herro extra possessions.
Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Game Pick
- Indiana Pacers
The Bucks have scored plenty, but allowing at least 127 points in three consecutive games is a serious problem. Indiana has several players capable of taking advantage, including Siakam and Haliburton. The Pacers also have Zubac providing rebounding and protection around the basket. Milwaukee's offense keeps the game competitive, but Indiana has more balance at both ends. The Pacers recover from Friday's loss and pick up their second victory Monday.
Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Over/Under Pick
- Over
Milwaukee's first three games have produced combined scores of 244, 257 and 243 points. The Bucks have allowed 129 per contest, and their offense has been scoring regularly too. Indiana opened with a 123-120 victory over New Orleans before struggling against Dallas. Siakam and Haliburton have been productive, while Herro gives Milwaukee a dangerous perimeter scorer. Both teams find opportunities against these defenses, making the over the play Monday night.