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Game Preview: Pacers at Bucks

Matchup

After a convincing win over the Pistons on Wednesday, the Pacers (33-31) travel to Milwaukee on Friday for another game against a division rival.

Indiana swept the regular season series with Detroit thanks to a 115-98 victory at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The win was pivotal to the Blue & Gold's playoff push, as it gave the Pacers a two-game lead over both the Pistons and the Bulls, the two teams currently residing in seventh and eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

But both the Bucks (30-33) and the Heat (31-34) are right on their tails, just a half-game back of Detroit and Chicago for the last two playoff spots. The Pacers host Miami on Sunday after visiting Milwaukee, so these next couple games will be crucial as the playoff chase heats up.

The Bucks have won four straight contests and eight of their last 11 to surge back into the postseason conversation. Leading the charge has been 22-year-old Giannis Antetokounmpo, who leads the Milwaukee in all major statistical categories. The 6-11 forward known as the "Greek Freak" amassed 32 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks, and four steals in a win over the Knicks on Wednesday.

Milwaukee has given the Pacers major problems so far this season, winning a pair of games over Indiana by 18 and 16 points. The Bucks' length poses a unique challenge, and the Pacers have yet to figure out a way to keep Milwaukee in check, allowing 120.5 points per contest in their two losses to the Bucks.

Projected Starters

Jeff Teague

Jeff Teague

Paul George

Paul George

C.J. Miles

C.J. Miles

Thaddeus Young

Thaddeus Young

Myles Turner

Myles Turner

Malcolm Brogdon

Malcolm Brogdon

Tony Snell

Tony Snell

Khris Middleton

Khris Middleton

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Thon Maker

Thon Maker

Pacers: PG - Jeff Teague, SG - Paul George, SF - C.J. Miles, PF - Thaddeus Young, C - Myles Turner
Bucks: PG - Malcolm Brogdon, SG - Tony Snell, SF - Khris Middleton, PF - Giannis Antetokounmpo, C - Thon Maker

Injury Report

Pacers: None

Bucks: Michael Beasley - out (hyperextended left knee), Jabari Parker - out (post-surgery, left knee)

Last Meeting

February 11, 2017: The Bucks spoiled the Pacers' 1990s Decade Game, draining 17 3-pointers in a 116-100 win over Indiana at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

"I thought we just didn't have a motor for whatever reason," Pacers head coach Nate McMillan said after the loss. "I thought they came out very aggressive from the start and we couldn't get going. They pretty much did whatever they wanted."

C.J. Miles led Indiana with 23 points, going 6-for-11 from 3-point range. Monta Ellis added 18 points off the bench in the loss.

Giannis Antetokounmpo nearly registered a triple-double, finishing with a team-high 20 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists. Mirza Teletovic added 19 points off the bench, knocking down 5-of-9 shots from beyond the arc, as Milwaukee's reserves outscored Indiana's bench, 55-40.

Noteworthy

  • The Bucks have a 96-85 edge over the Pacers in the all-time series, including a 59-31 record in Milwaukee.
  • With a win on Friday, Milwaukee would win the regular season series with the Pacers for the first time since the 2009-10 season.
  • Bucks center Greg Monroe and Pacers guard Rodney Stuckey were teammates with the Pistons from 2010-14.

Tickets

The Pacers return to Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Sunday, March 12 to host the Miami Heat at 6:00 PM ET. Limited seats remain for Sunday's "Decade Game," where all fans will receive a bobblehead of former Pacers All-Star forward Danny Granger. Find Tickets »

Broadcast Information TV & Radio Listings »

TV: FOX Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 93.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Pat Boylan (studio host)

Away Game Night Special

50th Season Long Sleeve T-Shirt - $15. Game Night Specials can be purchased online the day of each away game from 10:00 AM - Midnight. Order Online »