The Indiana Pacers and the Milwaukee Bucks meet in a Central Division matchup on Monday. The two teams will meet for the first time in the 2022-23 campaign.
The Bucks, behind former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, are one of the best teams in the NBA. They have size, skill and defensive abilities at every position and are tied for fourth most wins in the NBA with 27. Meanwhile, the Pacers have lost three straight.
“They’ve got a lot of other guys that play tough and know their role,” Pacers center Jalen Smith said of the Bucks. “Another big test for us.”
Viewing and betting information
Alert Time: 2:30 PM ET
Location: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Where to watch it: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Indiana/Bally Sports+, Bally Sports Wisconsin
Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are significant underdogs at +9.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The plus/minus in the game is 233.5.
Pacers vs Bucks Injury Report
For the Pacers, guard Tyrese Haliburton (left knee and left elbow), center Daniel Theis (right knee) and wing Kendall Brown (right shin) are out. Goga Bitadze (illness) and Myles Turner (back) are questionable. Trevelin Queen may be in the G League as part of his two-way contract.
For the Bucks, Serge Ibaka, Joe Ingles and Khris Middleton are out. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Bobby Portis are likely.
key pairings
Aaron Nesmith vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo: Aaron Nesmith has been one of the biggest surprises of the season for the Pacers. His defense has been impressive, his shooting accuracy has improved throughout the year and his skill growth has made him a daily starter for the blues and golds.
Today, he has the biggest test possible for a power forward. He will try to stop Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the best players in the NBA. The two-time MVP and six-time All-Star is impossible to protect in his prime and is one of the best defensive players in the league. Nesmith won’t win this matchup, but he needs to do everything he can to close it out.
Andrew Nembhard vs. Jrue Holiday: Andrew Nembhard is the Pacers’ new starting general with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined, and while his passing has been excellent in the two games since Haliburton’s injury, his shooting has been inaccurate.
Tonight, Nembhard will duel with Jrue Holiday, one of the best defenders at point guard in the league. The Pacers rookie will need to stay in check and try to keep Indiana’s offense going. Holiday’s offense is also solid, as he is averaging 18.3 points per game. Nembhard needs to be sharp on both ends.
- Tyrese Haliburton suffers a bone bruise in his left knee and a sprained left elbow, he will be out at least two weeks for the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- The Indiana Pacers enter the middle of their season well above expectations. CLICK HERE.
- Oshae Brissett’s contract is fully guaranteed, not waived by the Indiana Pacers before the guarantee deadline. CLICK HERE.
- The Indiana Pacers have become one of the best clutch teams in the NBA. CLICK HERE.
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