Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks
PREVIEW: The Milwaukee Bucks (4-2) travel to face the Indiana Pacers (1-5) Monday night , marking a reunion between two Central Division rivals with significant playoff history. This contest marks the first meeting since the Pacers eliminated the Bucks 4-1 in the first round of last season's playoffs , adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup. Milwaukee enters after snapping a two-game winning streak with a 135-133 loss to Sacramento, failing to cover as a 6.5-point home favorite , while Indiana snapped a five-game losing streak with a 114-109 victory over Golden State on Saturday, covering as an 11-point home underdog . The Bucks boast elite offensive efficiency, with first-ranked efficient three-point shooting and fourth-ranked efficient attacking rim capabilities , positioning them as overwhelming favorites in this matchup.
Indiana's defensive strengths center on elite defensive rebounding ranked second and excellent three-point defense allowing low quality looks , though the team faces significant personnel challenges heading into Monday. The Pacers have scored 110 or fewer points in four of their last five games while allowing at least 128 in three games this season , highlighting their offensive struggles. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues his stellar season averaging 34.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game , providing Milwaukee with a clear offensive advantage. The Bucks' primary weakness involves their defense against three-point shooting, ranked 30th in the league while allowing high-quality perimeter attempts , which could provide Indiana with scoring opportunities if their shooters find rhythm at home.