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The Indiana Pacers (6-9) lock up in NBA Cup group play against the Milwaukee Bucks (6-9) Friday at Fiserv Forum. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Pacers vs. Bucks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Pacers won 4-1 in ’23-24 regular season and 4-2 in first round of playoffs
The Pacers laid an egg in a 130-113 loss at the Houston Rockets Wednesday night. They failed to win and cover in the fourth of 5 games as 5.5-point dogs. G Tyrese Haliburton had 4 points and 8 dimes in 30 minutes in a nauseating performance.
After some rumblings of some discontent in the locker room, the Bucks have livened up. They’ve won 4 of 5 with the latest being a 122-106 victory over the Chicago Bulls Wednesday. F Giannis Antetokounmpo had 41 points, 9 boards and 8 assists.
Pacers at Bucks odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 2:05 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Pacers +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Bucks -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Pacers +5.5 (-110) | Bucks -5.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 237.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Pacers at Bucks key injuries
Pacers
- G Andrew Nembhard (knee) out
- G Aaron Nesmith (ankle) out
- C James Wiseman (Achilles) out
Bucks
- F Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) probable
- F Khris Middleton (ankle) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Pacers at Bucks picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 120, Pacers 108
Moneyline
The Pacers are a hot mess, and the Bucks are the clear side here. They’re too expensive on the ML, though.
Giannis averaged 42.2 points and 13 rebounds in 5 regular-season games vs. Indy last year. Take GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO OVER 45.5 POINTS+REBOUNDS (-110).
Against the spread
Again, the Pacers are 1-4 straight up and ATS over their last 5, and they’re getting very little from Haliburton. Take the BUCKS -5.5 (-110) to cover at home.
Over/Under
While Indiana is struggling offensively, the Pacers are getting blitzed defensively, leading to 4 straight Over cashes. Meanwhile, the Bucks have cashed 2 straight Unders and are 3-7 O/U in their last 10.
I don’t trust the Pacers to score enough to hit an Over. Take the UNDER 237.5 (-115).
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