Pacers vs Bucks Pick: Expert Prediction for Jan 1

Indiana Pacers (17-14 SU, 17-14 ATS) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (24-8 SU, 15-17 ATS)

When: Monday, January 1st, 8:00 PM (ET)

Where: Fiserv Forum, WI, Milwaukee

TV: BSW

Point Spread: Ind +7.5/Mil -7.5

Total: 260

Money Line: Indiana Pacers +248/-310

Notable Injuries

Pacers

• Bruce Brown (Doubtful) Knee

Bucks

• Jae Crowder (Out) Groin
• Thanasis Antetokounmpo (Out) Personal
• MarJon Beauchamp (Questionable) Illness

Recent Form

In the Eastern Conference, the Pacers are currently in 7th place and sit 3rd in the Central Division on a record of 17-14. They will be looking to stay hot after putting together a three-game winning streak.

Indiana’s average scoring differential on the road this season is -3.6 points per game. For the year, they have gone 8-7 on the road.

So far, the Pacers have been the underdog in 15 of their 31 games, going 8-7 straight up in those games. Against the spread, they are 8-7 on the road and 17-14 overall.

When looking at their over/under record for the season, they are 22-9, with their games having an average OU line of 242.1. Today’s line of 260 is the highest OU line they have seen all season.

At home this season, the Bucks have been dominant and have put together an average scoring margin of +7 points per game. This season, their average scoring differential when favored is +6.3, as they have been the favorite in 31 of their 32 games. The Bucks’ straight-up record at home is currently 16-2.

When looking at the Eastern Conference standings, the Bucks are in 2nd place, just behind the 76ers. Milwaukee’s overall record this season is 24-8, and they have two straight wins coming into today’s game.

Milwaukee’s ATS record of 15-17 includes an average margin of victory of 4.8 points per game. The team has gone 2-0 ATS, and their two straight-up wins have both come on the road.

When playing teams outside the Eastern Conference, the Bucks have gone 4-0 for the season. This includes today’s spread of 7.5 points. So far, all of their games have had lower over/under lines than today’s line of 260 points.

The Historicals

Through the last five matchups between the teams, Indiana has an ATS mark of 3-1-1. But, looking at the scoring margin in these games, an average of just 0 points per game separates the teams. The over-under record in these same games is 4-1, with the teams combining for an average of 262 points per game.

Analysis

When looking at the Pacers offense, they are 1st in the NBA with 126.6 points per game. In 80.6% of their games, they have outscored their opponent’s defensive average. When it comes to shooting, the Pacers are 1st in the NBA with a 50% field-goal percentage. When it comes to three-pointers, they are 3rd in percentage and 4th in three-pointers made.

On defense, the Pacers are ranked 29th in the NBA this season. So far, they have given up more points than the NBA scoring average in 74.2% of their games. When it comes to forced turnovers, the Pacers are forcing 13.1 per game, which is 17th in the league. They also come into the game sitting 1st in blocked shots at 6.6 per game.

In their most recent game, the Bucks offense put up 119 points against the Cavaliers. In terms of shooting, the Bucks made 51.2% of their field goals and hit 12 threes. On the season, the Bucks offense is shooting 38% from three on 37.7 attempts per game. Overall, their field goal percentage is 50%.

Coming into today’s game, the Bucks’ defense is giving up an average of 118.9 points per contest. 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.

Betting Trends

• Across their last three road contests, Indiana has been good against the spread, posting a mark of 2-1. Their overall mark in these games was 2-1 while averaging 115 points per game.
• Milwaukee has played well in their previous five home games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 125 points per game while allowing 118. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-2.
• As the betting underdog, the Pacers have an ATS mark of just 5-5 in their last ten games. Indiana posted a straight-up mark of 5-5 in these matchups.
• 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.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

Tracking the Pacers and Bucks rivalry this season has been fun to watch, as Indiana took down Milwaukee in the in-season tournament, and then Milwaukee got the revenge in a big way, with Giannis Antetokounmpo setting the franchise scoring record. Even though Milwaukee should win this one, I like Indiana to cover at +7.5. Note: Do yourself a huge favor! Kick 2024 off by doing things right! Dump your overpriced bookie and start enjoying the benefits of reduced juice sports betting. Reading for two minutes and signing up for two minutes equals four minutes of your life that will save you thousands of dollars and change the way you bet on sports FOREVER! For those wanting to save two minutes and not read about reduced juice, you can start laying -105 odds instead of -110 by signing up at BetAnySports.