Catch this game live on Tuesday, March 23, at 9 AM, Manila time
HOME TEAM: Milwaukee Bucks (27-14, 16-5 at home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Jrue Holiday
- SG: Donte DiVincenzo
- SF: Khris Middleton
- PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- C: Brook Lopez
Who’s going to stop the Bucks? Giannis Antentokounmo and company have looked every bit the part of a favorite to win at least the Eastern Conference in racking up six wins in a row, albeit during a stretch against a mixed bag of opposition.
Over that span, the Bucks defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards (twice), Philadelphia 76ers, and the San Antonio Spurs. During this winning streak, the Bucks have averaged 122.2 points on 48.1 FG% and 35.6 3FG%.
The Bucks’ defense has also looked very much improved of late. They have allowed just 102.9 points per 100 possessions over their last six games — the second-best in the NBA in that time window.
Milwaukee, which is 4-1 against the spread in its last five Tuesday (Manila) games, demolished the Pacers at home back in early February, 130-110. Antetokounmpo did bad things to Indiana in that game, as he needed just 31 minutes to post a triple-double of 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Unfortunately, Antetokounmpo is listed as doubtful for the upcoming contest due to a knee injury. This will make it harder, but not impossible for the Bucks to pull away with the W.
ROAD TEAM: Indiana Pacers (19-22, 12-10 on the road)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Malcolm Brogdon
- SG: Caris LeVert
- SF: Justin Holiday
- PF: Domantas Sabonis
- C: Myles Turner
Despite shooting just 38.8 percent from the field, the Pacers got the overtime win on Monday over the Miami Heat on the road, 109-106. The Pacers also defeated Miami there last Saturday (137-110), so there’s got to be momentum for Indiana, as it travels to Bucks territory.
All five starters scored in double digits for the Pacers in the Milwaukee game, with Domantas Sabonis making 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
The Pacers have covered the spread in both of those meetings with Miami, though they are only 3-7 against the spread in their last 10 games overall. Sabonis was nearly unstoppable in the last meeting with the Bucks, as the second-generation NBA star had 33 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in 31 minutes in a loss to Milwaukee.
The Pacers will play the Bucks this Tuesday with new weapon Caris LeVert, who’s looking to recover from a bad 5-of-18 shooting night for 13 points on Monday.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: The Pacers might be a bit tired from being the road team playing on a back-to-back, but they should put up a fight in Milwaukee. The Bucks win, but the Pacers cover the spread as a 5.5 point road underdog.
Over/Under: Indiana’s momentum and Milwaukee’s tendency to push the pace should create for a high-scoring game. Take the Over 229.
