Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Point Spread Picks

The Pacers do one thing right - they tank. Indiana last won on Feb. 11. That was before the All-Star break. The Pacers have lost their last 12 games. They have covered only one of these 12 games. Indiana has lost by 9 or more points in 8 of its past 9 games. Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is questionable for the Bucks with a calf injury. Pascal Siakam is doubtful for Indiana with a knee injury. Siakam is as important to the Pacers as Antetokounmpo is to Milwaukee. All together, the Pacers list eight players as either questionable or doubtful. The Bucks have won all three meetings against the Pacers this season, averaging 8.3 points per game, with two victories coming without Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee lost to the hot Hawks, who have won nine in a row, minus Antetokounmpo, yesterday. The Bucks are 6-5 when playing without rest this season. Take the Bucks.

Indiana has averaged 121.6 points over the last three games, including a 129-124 win over Atlanta as a dog. They're fifth in the league from long range (37.3%), but have the worst record in the Eastern Conference because their defense ranks 25th in points allowed (118.7 per game) and 26th in shooting allowed (48.4%). The Pacers are on a 6-4 run OVER the total. Milwaukee is second in the league from 3-point land (39.4%), off wins over Chicago (131-115) and New Orleans (141-137). Against the Bulls, they nailed 23 3-pointers, and against New Orleans, they shot 61% while holding them to 48%. The Bucks are on a 5-1 run OVER the total at home. Play Indiana/Milwaukee OVER the total. 

Milwaukee is 3-1 at home but a .500 team (1-1) on the road. That was the case last season, when the Bucks were 27-14 at home, 20-20 away. They come off a 135-133 loss at home as a 6.5-point favorite. The young, quick Kings shot 51.7%. Indiana plays its third straight at home after a 114-109 win over Golden State as a double-digit underdog. The Pacers won the rebounding battle, shot 44.9% from the field, had a 56-44 edge in points in the paint, and forced 16 turnovers. The defense is 13th in the NBA in points allowed and second in defending shots from beyond the arc. The wagering value is on the home dog to win the game in this divisional rivalry. Play Indiana on the moneyline.