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The Indiana Pacers are set to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.
Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the charge
The Bucks have continued their forward march this season currently sitting atop of the Eastern Conference behind what has been an impressive start to the season. It has seen them feature much balance across their roster that has helped fuel them toward being one of the most well-rounded teams in the league that looks to be a legitimate threat in the East. This has largely been led by the play of All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been putting together an MVP-caliber campaign behind his all-around production. Antetokounmpo has picked it up a notch over the last four games as he’s averaging 32.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 70.8 percent from the field and 54.5 percent from 3-point range. He is coming off another strong outing as he led the Bucks over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night pouring in 29 points, 17 rebounds, and eight assists.
Another MVP-level performance from The Greek Freak:
29 PTS | 17 REB | 8 AST | 3 BLK | 69% FG #FearTheDeer | #Giannis pic.twitter.com/8eK8rRrEDp
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 12, 2019
This marked his 12th game of the season with at least 25 points, 15 rebounds and five assists, which ties Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal for the most such games in a season since the 1976-77 season. It has been a balanced offensive effort beyond Antetokounmpo as the Bucks have won 32 games by 10 or more points, including nine by at least 20 points, and five by 30 or more points. Milwaukee is also currently first in the NBA in points per game differential this season that has won each game by an average of 9.8 points. The Bucks have also had much success against the Pacers winning 13 out of their last 15 games against them with 12 of those wins coming by double digits. Milwaukee has also already tied last year’s total with 19 wins on the road which has put them to the second-best road mark at a 19-9 record. The Bucks forward momentum behind the play of Antetokounmpo should be enough to guide them past the Pacers on the road.
Pacers hoping to maintain strong play at home
The Pacers have continued to maintain their status as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference through this point of the season behind their steady balanced play. This has been the case despite having lost All-Star guard Victor Oladipo for the rest of the season due to a season-ending knee injury. The Pacers have been one of the most effective teams on both ends of the floor that hasn’t needed the need for star power to drive them to success on the court. In fact, it has been their collective efforts that have fueled them to this type of start to the year in the thick of the playoff picture in the East. They have been highly effective in continuing to find that on their home floor this year holding a 22-7 mark through their first 29 games played. This has largely been behind their stout play defensively as arguably the best defensive team in the league.
THERE IT IS 🏹🏹🏹 @WessyWes23 pic.twitter.com/dJdoL9W04u
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 12, 2019
Pacers currently lead the league by allowing just 103.3 points per game while holding a 17-1 record this season when limiting opponents to 97 or fewer points. They have been a team that has found much success by their play defensively throughout the year. However, the Pacers are set to face one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference in the Bucks, who are currently second in the league in scoring. Meanwhile, this will also put more of the focus on their play offensively that has been in the middle of the pack at best this season. They are currently 22nd scoring 108.3 points per contest. Their lack of true production this end will be a key factor in this game and the absence of Oladipo will be felt in that regard. All of this simply will hinge on their offensive production and if it will be able to keep up with one of the best teams in the league on their home floor.
Notable Trends
Indiana:
- Pacers are 0-4 ATS in their last four games against a team with a winning % above .600.
Milwaukee:
- Bucks are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games against Central division opponents.
- Bucks are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games against a team with a winning home record.
- Bucks are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
The Bottom Line What to bet on this game.
Full-Game Side Bet
The Pacers have been a highly stout team at home this season, but they are set to go up against one of the best teams in the league in the Bucks. This will see the overall offensive prowess of Milwaukee too much for the Pacers to keep up with especially dealing with Antetokounnmpo, who has hit another stride over the last four games. This has the making of the Bucks keeping the ball rolling to grab their 20th road win.
Prediction: Milwaukee
Full-Game Total Pick
The Bucks may have one of the league’s highest-scoring offenses, it wouldn’t exactly mean that it will be a high-scoring affair between both sides on Wednesday night. Milwaukee has also been an effective team defensively ranking seventh giving up 107.3 points per contest. The Pacers have also arguably had the most effective defensive in the league. Keep in mind, the under is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Indiana between these two teams.
Prediction: Under
