The Milwaukee Bucks (12-8) travel to Gainbridge Fieldhouse Sunday to take on the Indiana Pacers (9-12). Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Bucks vs. Pacers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Bucks are coming off a championship run, and they’ve had a bit of a lag combined with several injuries along the way.
Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton are both back in action with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way. They’re looking to get back to their dominant ways.
So far this season, the Bucks are 9-11 against the spread. The 9-12 Pacers are actually over .500, sitting at 11-10 against the spread. Indiana has talent at all positions and should be able to limit the Bucks star.
The Pacers are helped by rookie Chris Duarte, who is averaging 13.3 points per game. They should have a real chance to show their depth and skill against Milwaukee.
Bucks at Pacers odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:15 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Bucks -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Pacers +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bucks -2.5 (-112) | Pacers +2.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Bucks at Pacers key injuries
Bucks
- G Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) out
- C Brook Lopez (back) out
Pacers
- F T.J. Warren (Navicular) out
Bucks at Pacers odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Pacers 108, Bucks 106
Money line
“LEAN” to the PACERS +115 as I like the home side here.
Additionally, the Pacers are one of the few teams that have a dominating rim-protecting center that should help slow two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
While the Pacers have been underwhelming on the road, they’ve found strength behind their home crowd at Gainbridge.
That said, this is a good price for them against a Bucks team that has struggled and will lose three-point shooting with the continued absence of Lopez.
Against the spread
BET on the PACERS +2.5 (-108) as there’s some reverse-line movement.
Per pregame.com, the Bucks have 95% of the tickets yet just 74% of the cash. You’d think that would send the Bucks to be more of a favorite, but the line has dropped since it opened at -3.
The Bucks won all three meetings last season, but the Pacers will be returning one starter, All-Star-caliber forward Domantas Sabonis. Myles Turner, Caris LeVert and Malcolm Brogdon will add talent on both sides of the ball that can rival that of Milwaukee.
At home, I think there’s a strong chance they cover.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the UNDER 217.5 (-108) as neither team has been overly impressive on the total this season.
The Bucks are 6-14 on the over/under while the Pacers are just 8-13. Both teams rank better defensively than offensively; however, they’re around the middle of the back in both.
The Pacers allow opponents the least three-point attempts while the Bucks shoot the fourth most. With Turner down low, I expect them to be able to stay on their assignments and prevent the swinging to open shooters.
With that in mind, I’d expect the Under to be the better play here.
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