It will be a battle between Central Division opponents when the Milwaukee Bucks (19-16) welcome the Indiana Pacers (19-18) to BMO Harris Bradley Center. The game can be seen on Fox Sports Net Wisconsin at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 3, 2018.
Milwaukee opened as a 7.5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 208.5 points.
Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks ATS Prediction
The Pacers are trying to rebound after their 107-90 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last contest. Minnesota’s 6.7 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Indiana, who had a mark of 14.7. The Timberwolves’ mark was better than their season average of 11.7. Joe Young was Indiana’s leading scorer with 20 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
In the Bucks’ last game, they were beaten by the Toronto Raptors, 131-127. Toronto’s 10.2 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Milwaukee, who had a mark of 11.7. The Raptors’ mark was better than their season average of 12.1. Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo put up 26 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in the game.
Milwaukee should have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Bucks currently rank seventh in offensive efficiency, while the Pacers rank 23rd in defensive efficiency.
Indiana comes into the game with records of 19-18 straight up (SU) and 20-17 against the spread (ATS). Pacers games have gone under the projected point total 54.1 percent of the time.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee owns records of 19-16 SU and 16-14-5 ATS. Bucks games have typically finished over the total (62.9 percent).
After the Bucks won three out of four games against the Pacers last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, Indiana won 104-89. The Pacers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.6 vs. 15.8) and had a better free throw rate (0.250 vs. 0.169).
Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Bucks, ATS Winner – Pacers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Indiana is 10-7 ATS with 9 overs and 8 unders.
Milwaukee is 7-8-3 ATS at home with 10 overs, 7 unders and 1 push.
Indiana is 9-1 when they allow less than 100 points, while Milwaukee is 8-2.
The Pacers are 17-7 when they score over 100 points, while the Bucks are 15-10.
Milwaukee ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.7) while Indiana ranks 22nd (5.3).
The Bucks rank sixth in points in the paint per game (47.3) while the Pacers rank 25th in points allowed in the paint per game (46.9).
Milwaukee ranks ninth in three pointers allowed per game (26.9) while Indiana ranks 25th (30.9).
The Bucks rank first in fast break points allowed per game (7.3) while the Pacers rank 16th (11.1).
Indiana ranks 16th in second chance points per game (11.9) while Milwaukee ranks 27th (9.7).
The Pacers rank 20th in rebounds per game (42.0) while the Bucks rank last (38.8).
Milwaukee ranks 13th in assists per game (22.7) while Indiana ranks 22nd in assists allowed per game (23.9).
The Bucks rank second in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.2) while the Pacers rank ninth (15.1).
Milwaukee ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (6.8) while Indiana ranks sixth (6.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Indiana is 0-5 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Milwaukee is 3-1-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Pacers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 10.6, up from 0.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bucks have scored an average of 107.6 points per game (2.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 109.6 points per game (3.7 above their season average).
