The Milwaukee Bucks have caught fire as they look to seize top spot in the Eastern Conference standings – but extending their six-game winning streak could prove difficult as they host Indiana on Monday. The Bucks (27-14 SU, 19-22 ATS) are expected to be without MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo as they tangle with an improved Pacers team (19-22 SU, 17-24 ATS).
- Date/Time: March 22, 9 p.m. ET
- Arena: Fiserv Forum
- TV Coverage: NBATV
- Sportsbook Odds: Bucks -10 | O/U 232 (Line History)
- Pacers vs Bucks Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
The Bucks opened the proceedings as a double-digit favorite, but that line has plummeted to -5.5 with Antetokounmpo listed as doubtful. The Sportsbook total of 232 has also shrunk all the way down to 228.5 in most spots.
Indiana News & Notes
A 2-8 SU stretch knocked the Pacers out of contention for first place in the Central Division, but they’ve rebounded nicely with consecutive wins in Miami to boost their playoff hopes. And they appear to have caught a significant break in the second of three meetings between the teams, with Milwaukee cruising to a 130-110 victory in Indianapolis back on February 3.
Antetokounmpo erupted for 21 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in that one-sided victory, so his absence alone would make the Pacers a much more viable option in the rematch. They’re also likely to get a better showing from their starting lineup, with the four guys not named Domantas Sabonis shooting just 11-for-33 for 32 points in that earlier matchup.
Milwaukee News & Notes
The Bucks are built to weather just about any injury, with their offense still clicking at an elite rate and the defense showing plenty of promise during an incredible 11-1 SU run. The challenge becomes even greater without Antetokounmpo, who is once again looking dominant with averages of 29.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.3 blocks on the season.
Look for Khris Middleton to take on the bulk of the scoring burden in Antetokounmpo’s absence. Middleton is having a strong season with 20.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists and will be looking to atone for his showing in the previous meeting, when he was held to 12 points. He’s averaging 19.0 points in March but should surpass that with ease Monday.
Betting Pick: Pacers +5.5 (-110)
It’s difficult to know what the Bucks will look like without their superstar forward, but the Pacers are better than their record and are playing strong enough basketball to warrant the pick here.
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Buy Sports Picks Now- The Pacers are 3-9 ATS in their past 12 games.
- The Bucks are 6-1 ATS in the last 7 vs the Pacers.
- The OVER is 4-1 in the last 5 games for both teams.
