Milwaukee Bucks (49-33) vs. Indiana Pacers (47-35)
As the NBA Playoffs heat up, the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers face off in Game 3 of the first round on April 26, 2024. With the series moving to Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse, both teams are gearing up for a pivotal showdown. The Bucks, standing at 49-33, look to seize a road victory, while the Pacers aim to capitalize on their home-court advantage after a strong 47-35 regular season. This game, scheduled for a 5:30 PM ET tip-off and broadcast on ESPN, is a must-watch event and could also be a hot topic at any top online casino.
Milwaukee Bucks impressed the season with their strong offensive power, scoring 119 points per game with a field goal percentage of 47.7%. Their shooting line from 3-point range shows 37.3 percent success, with Damian Lillard behind it, defining the rhythm of the team and being a real playmaker. Nevertheless, Bucks have gone under the spread on the road showing 16 for 24 records so there might be weak areas that are exposed when they play away from their home stand.
However, the Indiana Pacers are just notably better statistically, averaging 123.3 point per game and a more efficient field goal shooting statistics of 50.7%. Away trends are quite good to them, as they managed to gain a 22-19 against the spread record for this season. The Pacers have the edge with a better mark in their last couple of fixtures, a 4-1 record which is evidence of a strong current form. Playoff matchups are probably just around the corner.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers Game Info
| When: | Friday, April 26, 2024 at 5:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Damian Lillard (PG) vs. Tyrese Haliburton (PG)
Damian Lillard has been certainly crucial for the Bucks, remaining in all 73 games that he could participate in this season, and in addition, averaging 24.3 points and 7 assists per game. His ability to score almost from anywhere around the course makes him a crucial figure, but the 2.6 turnovers per game is the sign of a possible weakness in handling the ball under exposure to pressure.
Contrastingly, Tyrese Haliburton has averaged 10.9 assists per game and 4.7 assists to turnover ratio of the Indiana Pacers, which indicates his excellence and control as well as his accuracy in playmaking. His overall proclivity to score, an average of 20.1 points, causing defenses a lot of trouble make him a tough opponent to play against.
Given when Lillard and Haliburton square up on the court, it will be like two great peas in a pod- offensive magicians against genius floor generals. Both of them are vital to their team and they might even determine the rhythm and end of the match. It will be combined with the running duel between the best scorer Lillard and the one who can unite his team Haliburton. The second will support the effective orchestration of the team.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Indiana Pacers -175, Total Odds: 224.5
The betting odds favor the Pacers as the home team with a -4.5 point spread, indicating bookmakers’ confidence in their ability to cover the spread in front of their home crowd. The total over/under set at 224.5 points reflects expectations for a high-scoring affair, in line with both teams’ offensive tendencies.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Trends
In the last 5 games, the Bucks betting trends mixed, the 2-3 record overall and against the spread accounts for that. The totals have gone OVER past 3 out of the last 5 games, and they could end up in a high-scoring game if the opponents do not tighten the defensive lines, which both teams have great offensive capabilities.
Indiana Pacers Betting Trends
The 4-1 situation of the Pacers in the last 5 games indicates the trend with the total being OVER in each of them. They being the more stable force with higher accuracy in their court action and in covering the spread, especially at home, could give a chance to win this game.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers 4/26/24 Betting Picks
Given the analysis and current form of both teams, the Pacers appear to have a slight advantage, especially when playing at home. The game is likely to be high-scoring, and betting on the OVER might be a wise choice given the trends and offensive capabilities of both teams. For those looking for free NBA Playoffs picks, considering the Pacers to cover the spread could offer value.
This prediction leans on the recent form and home advantage of the Pacers, coupled with the overall scoring trends of both teams. The Bucks will likely keep it competitive, but the Pacers might just have enough to secure a win and cover the spread in this crucial playoff encounter.
