Pacers vs Bucks Betting Preview: Milwaukee Struggling with Consistency

Milwaukee lost a couple of games last week, the second time this month they have lost back-to-back contests. Things are just not coming together as quickly as expected for the Bucks this season.

Both of these teams can score. It is their lapses on the defensive side of things that is keeping them from better records. This is the first time they have met this season. Milwaukee was 3-1 SU and against the spread against the Pacers last year.

Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds and Information

Matchup: Indiana Pacers (12-9, 2nd in the Central Division) vs Milwaukee Bucks (12-8, 1st in the Central Division

• Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2021
• Time: 7:00 pm ET/8:00 pm CT
• Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Fiserv Forum)
• TV: ESPN
• Spread: Pacers +8 (-110), Bucks -8 (-110)
• Total: OVER 232.5 (-110), UNDER 232.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Pacers +250, Bucks -310

NBA odds via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Wednesday, February 3

Indiana Pacers Betting Preview

I am excited to see what Indiana can be with a fully healthy lineup. TJ Warren is still out and they have yet to enjoy the services of Caris Levert since acquiring him by trade. Those two reinforcements will definitely increase their scoring but Indiana is doing just fine in that area, they are 8th in the league.

Similar to Milwaukee they just stopped a two-game losing streak thanks to an offensive outburst, scoring 134 points against Memphis. Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner combined for 54 points and 26 rebounds in the win. That is the kind of inside domination they need on a more regular basis. Turner also blocked 5 shots and will be critical as a help defender on Giannis. Indiana has everything it needs to beat Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview

The Bucks gave up a ton of points in recent losses to the Hornets and the Pelicans. They are 20th in defense this season and it is not quite clear as to why they have fallen so far in that area as the addition of Jrue Holiday was supposed to help in that department. He is an awesome 1:1 defender who can guard multiple positions and in this one, he likely locks up former Bucks Malcolm Brogdon. If you can get him off his game the Pacers really struggle because their bigs do not create for themselves.

As much as Giannis and Khris Middleton are high-quality offensive players it is the all-around game of Holiday that can make this team elite. I have never been a fan of the Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer and wonder if he might be one of the things holding them back. You would think they could find a good one to coach Giannis for the next few seasons.

Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Betting Advice

Last season the winner of each game in the series also covered. Twice the Bucks were lined at -8 so it looks like the oddsmakers are not getting very creative with this line, or their power ratings haven’t changed much. Both might be true, though I would find that surprising for the Bucks.

For this one, I am looking at the situation closely. If the Bucks had not had an easy win I would be more inclined to fade them as some games they just look lost, then they correct themselves for a little while. That is the phase they are in again right now. As a home favourite they are 6-4 ATS and winning by an average of almost 13ppg. Indiana can shave that down a few but the result still tilts to Milwaukee.

Best Bets:

• Bucks -8
• Bucks Over 120.5 points (-110)
• Jrue Holiday to score 20+ points (+152)