Two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference will square off on Wednesday night in Indianapolis as the Pacers will host the Milwaukee Bucks. This game will be a battle of contrasting styles as the Pacers are the league’s best defensive team, and the Bucks average the most points per game. Milwaukee blew out the Pacers in the first week of the season, winning by a score of 118-101.
The Bucks currently sit atop the Central Division with an 18-8 record. Milwaukee comes in riding a two-game winning streak that includes an impressive win over the Toronto Raptors. Indiana has won four straight games, despite playing without their best player. The Pacers bring a 17-10 record into this matchup and are just 1.5 games behind the Bucks in the division. The Bucks are a two-point favorite over the Pacers on Wednesday night.
Pacers Winning With Defense
The Indiana Pacers are getting the job done on defense so far this season. The Pacers are allowing just 101.4 points per game this season, which is the best scoring defense in the NBA. Indiana is allowing their opponents to shoot just 44 percent from the field, and they have plenty of length to challenge shots. Center Myles Turner is one of the best rim protectors in the entire league, averaging 2.8 blocks per game.
The Pacers have been without leading scorer Victor Oladipo for the past 11 games, but they have found just enough offense. Small forward Bojan Bogdanovic has stepped up to lead the team with 16.6 points per game. Veteran point guard Darren Collison dished out 17 assists in the Pacers most recent victory, and Turner also had a big night. The Pacers likely can’t outscore the Bucks, but their defense should give them a chance.
“Greek Freak” Leading Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been an absolute stud for the Milwaukee Bucks this season. The “Greek Freak” leads the team with 26.5 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, and is the early frontrunner for the 2018-19 MVP Award. He was forced to sit out the Bucks win on Monday night against the Cavs with neck soreness but is expected to suit up for this critical matchup.
Antetokounmpo is the clear leader, but he has had plenty of help so far this season. Players like Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe are having terrific seasons, and the Bucks are the highest scoring team in the league at 118.9 points per game. Milwaukee also leads the NBA with 50.5 rebounds per game, and they are extremely long and athletic. If the Bucks are able to continue to improve on the defensive end of the floor, an NBA Championship could be in their future.
Bucks Win Tough Road Game
Both the Bucks and Pacers are up and coming NBA teams, but they appear to be real threats this season. Milwaukee has been amazing on offense all season long, and the Pacers just refuse to give up points. If the Pacers had Oladipo in the mix, they might be the pick, but they will struggle without him. Look for the Bucks to pick up an impressive victory in this game. Bet the Milwaukee Bucks -2.0 over the Indiana Pacers.
