The Milwaukee Bucks started out 2018 on a disappointing note by falling short at Toronto on New Year’s Day, but they’ll have an opportunity to rebound at home against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.
Sportsbook opened the Bucks as 8-point home favorites with a total of 209.
Milwaukee was on the verge of ending Toronto’s 11-game home winning streak but couldn’t finish the job in a 131-127 loss in overtime. The Bucks’ bench is not known for its offensive efficiency, but Thon Maker (16) and Malcolm Brogdon (15) finished in double digits for points while Matthew Dellavedova handed out a season-high 10 assists in the setback.
The biggest storyline in this game will be the absence of Pacers leading scorer Victor Oladipo. Indiana has lost four straight and three without Oladipo in the fold, as the guard is dealing with a lingering knee issue. Oladipo has already been ruled out for tonight’s game, so expect Lance Stephenson to once again take his place in the starting lineup.
During the four-game slide, the squad is averaging a mere 93.5 points. Indiana’s starting five combined for 32 points on 12-of-37 shooting in an ugly 107-90 loss to Minnesota at home on New Year’s Eve.
When the Pacers travel to Milwaukee, low-scoring affairs are the story. In Indiana’s last four trips to Wisconsin, the UNDER is 3-1.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Milwaukee Bucks were listed earlier as 7.5-point favorites on the betting oddsboard at Sportsbook. Those betting on the total OVER/UNDER for points scored have seen that line set at 209.5 for Wednesday at shops such as Sportsbook.
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 115-101 win for the Bucks. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.
Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Milwaukee Bucks sport a record of 19-16 and 16-16-3 ATS heading into this matchup, while the Indiana Pacers sit at 19-18 and 20-17 ATS on the NBA season. The OVER/UNDER totals betting records are 23-12 for the Milwaukee Bucks and 16-20-1 for the Indiana Pacers. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Milwaukee vs Indiana injuries news.
The power rankings show a disparity between these teams with the Bucks rated this week at No. 17 and the Pacers sitting at No. 21.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Milwaukee's No. 15-ranked offense averaging 105.46 PPG, against an Indiana Pacers defense that ranks No. 22 at 107.03 PPG. The Bucks field goal percentage has averaged 48.19% so far, more than the Pacers shooters have achieved on the year, 47.61% per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Indiana got 20 points from Joe Young but lost 107-90 against the Timberwolves on Sunday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
The Bucks wasted a 29-point performance from Eric Bledsoe as Toronto ran past them 131-127 on Monday at Air Canada Centre.
Next Betting Matchups
Indiana home to Chicago, Saturday, January 6
Milwaukee home to Toronto, Friday, January 5