Game Info
Time: 7:30 CT
Location: BMO Harris Bradley Center
TV: FSWI (Milwaukee) FSMW (Indiana)
Team Matchup
Average Points: Milwaukee: 99.4 Indiana: 94.9
Average points allowed: Milwaukee: 99.3 Indiana: 96.3
Last Meeting
These teams met each other in Indianapolis earlier in the season with the Bucks defeating the Pacers, 87-81, led by Brandon Knight’s 23 points and seven rebounds. It snapped a 16-game road losing streak and was the first victory in Indiana since November 5, 2010. Also, despite out-rebounding the Bucks, 47-39, it was Milwaukee’s stingy defense that stymied the Pacers offensive attack, forcing 19 turnovers for 28 points and holding them to 1-of-10 shooting from three-point range in the first half.
The Pacers shot 39.7 percent while playing without starters George Hill (bruised left knee), David West (sprained right ankle), and Paul George (fractured leg). Hibbert had 16 points and seven rebounds but was limited to just four points in the second half
The Bucks led by 11 in the fourth quarter, but Indiana used a late 10-2 run to get within three on Copeland's three-pointer with 42 seconds remaining. Knight answered with a 21-footer to put it away with 22 seconds left.
This week's results
Milwaukee is coming off of a 96-90 win over Cleveland Wednesday night in which Brandon Knight led all scorers with 26 points, and Giannis Antetokounmpo had a solid stat line with 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three blocks. Milwaukee held the Cavaliers to 34.1 percent shooting and just seven points in the third to nab a 71-54 lead. Indiana, meanwhile, played last night in Indianapolis, beating the Heat by a final score of 106-95. In that game, C.J. Miles had 25 points, and the Pacers used a 17-2 run in the third to take a decisive 78-70 lead en route to victory.
Game Preview
Overall, the Pacers have struggled mightily, losing ten out of their last fifteen games and are in 11th place in the East with an 11-21 record. However, the return of point guard George Hill from a left knee injury has been a big lift in recent games. Hill, who missed the first 28 games, scored 20 points in his third consecutive against the Heat, and Indiana has won three of five since Hill made his debut December 23.
As for the Bucks, who are sixth in the East, they are searching for a third three-game win streak, as they have held their last three opponents to just 35.8 percent. Good news is that Brandon Knight has averaged averaged 25.3 points and 50.0 percent shooting in his last four games against the Pacers. Also, Milwaukee leads the series 92-80, including 57-28 at home, and average 44.8 bench points, the best in the league.
Injury Report
Milwaukee
Jabari Parker – OUT (torn ACL)
Damien Inglis – OUT (broken foot)
Ersan Ilyasova – OUT (concussion)
Larry Sanders – OUT (illness)
Jerryd Bayless – PROBABLE (knee)
Indiana
Paul George – OUT (broken leg)
Ian Mahinmi – OUT (leg)
Prediction
Bucks hold on for a 99-96 victory.