A pivotal Game 3 takes place on Friday as the sixth-seeded Indiana Pacers host the third-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in the 2024 NBA playoffs. The series is currently tied 1-1 after these teams split the two games at Fiserv Forum. In the regular season, the Pacers went 26-15 at home. Meanwhile, the Bucks had an 18-22 record on the road. Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) has been ruled out for Milwaukee, while Khris Middleton (ankle) is questionable.
Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana. The Pacers are 6.5-point favorites in the latest Bucks vs. Pacers odds via SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total points is 223.5. Before making any Pacers vs. Bucks picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters the second week of the 2024 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 90-58 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $2,800. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Bucks vs. Pacers and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Pacers vs. Bucks:
- Bucks vs. Pacers spread: Indiana -6.5
- Bucks vs. Pacers over/under: 223.5 points
- Bucks vs. Pacers money line: Indiana -263, Milwaukee +215
- MIL: The Milwaukee Bucks have hit the 1H game total Under in 34 of their last 57 games
- IND: The Indiana Pacers have hit the team total Over in 26 of their last 39 games at home
- Bucks vs. Pacers picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Bucks can cover
Guard Damian Lillard has been the best player on the floor for Milwaukee without Antetokounmpo. Lillard is fearless with the ball and scores from all three levels consistently. The eight-time All-Star is averaging 34.5 points, five rebounds and four assists through two games in the postseason. In Game 2, Lillard had 34 points and five assists.
If he's able to go, Middleton provides Milwaukee with another force in the frontcourt. Middleton has been a solid scorer from the mid-range and downtown while being unselfish with the basketball. The 32-year-old is putting up 19 points, 7.5 rebounds and five assists through the first two games. In Game 1, he notched 23 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. See which team to pick here.
Why the Pacers can cover
Guard Tyrese Haliburton is one of the best floor generals in the league. He does a great job pushing the pace and getting out in transition. The 24-year-old can thread the needle as a passer and has the knack for creating his own shot. Even though his offensive game has been subpar through two games, he's still a top-notch facilitator. Through two games, he's averaging 10.5 points and 10 assists per game. In Game 2, he dropped 12 points, four boards and 12 assists.
Guard Andrew Nembhard is another asset in the backcourt. Nembhard finishes strong at the rim due to his length and owns a nice floater in the lane. The Gonzaga product gave a nice spark for Indiana in Game 2. He came in with 20 points, four boards and three assists. Forward Aaron Nesmith can space the floor as a shooter and is constantly moving without the ball. Nesmith totaled 11 points, five boards, and seven assists in his last outing. See which team to pick here.
How to make Pacers vs. Bucks picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 232 points. The model also says one side hits in over 60% of simulations. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Bucks vs. Pacers, and which side hits in over 60% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread to jump on, all from the advanced model that has returned more than $2,800 on its NBA picks this season, and find out.
