Game Preview: Pacers vs Bucks

Last Updated: April 6, 2017 at 11:16 AM

Lance is back.

While it was Paul George who carried the Pacers during their impressive 19-point comeback on Tuesday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, scoring 35 points to go along with 10 rebounds, Lance Stephenson provided an emotional lift for the Blue & Gold.

Playing in his first home game since resigning, Stephenson struggled early on, but found his touch in the second half, registering a series of plays that sent The Fieldhouse into a frenzy.

"I just tried to come in, play smart, don’t do too much, be aggressive and make smart plays," Stephenson said. "It just happened to work out for everyone and we fed off each other’s energy. I’m just happy we got the win. We got into them in the second half on the defensive end and we made smart plays. When you do that stuff, the game will come easy."

But on Thursday, the Pacers (38-40) will face the toughest of their four remaining opponents in the Milwaukee Bucks, who have surged to a 40-38 record by going 14-4 in the month of March, the best record in the Eastern Conference during that timeframe.

The Pacers — who just snapped a four-game losing streak — are desperate to secure a playoff berth and aiming to win consecutive games for the first time since February 6.

PLAYOFF PICTURE: Track the Pacers' Playoff Push »

Following their meeting with the Bucks, Indiana will embark on a two game road trip against teams out of the playoff race — Orlando and Philadelphia — then return home for game 82 against the Atlanta Hawks.

If the last two games are any indication, the Pacers — and specifically Paul George — are locked in. Over the last two contests, George has compiled a total of 78 points in 88 minutes on the floor. But at this point in the season, the Pacers' leading scorer isn't worried about fatigue.

"I’m dialed in," George said after posting a double-double on Tuesday. "Whatever it takes to get it, I’m going to work my butt off and try to get us on the right path. Every night I am going to try and put it all out on that floor and lay it all out."

Jeff Teague

Monta Ellis

Paul George

Thaddeus Young

Myles Turner

Matthew Dellavedova

Tony Snell

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Khris Middleton

Thon Maker

Pacers: PG - Jeff Teague, SG - Monta Ellis, SF - Paul George, PF - Thaddeus Young, C - Myles Turner
Bucks: PG - Matthew Dellavedova, SG - Tony Snell, SF - Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF - Khris Middleton, C - Thon Maker

Pacers: Al Jefferson - available (sprained left ankle), Glenn Robinson III - out (sore left calf)

Bucks: Malcolm Brogdon - out (back soreness), John Henson - out (left thumb sprain), Jabari Parker - out (post surgery, left knee)

March 10, 2017: Despite leading by 11 points in the first half, the Pacers fell to the Bucks 99-85 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee.

"They played a zone and they trapped," said Paul George of the Bucks. "They played a scrappy game. It plays into their strengths, being long and athletic. It comes down to guys needing to tighten it up and make plays offensively."

Milwaukee, which collected its fifth straight win, was led by the all-around play of All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo who finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Khris Middleton, who is still getting in the swing of things following an injury, collected 21 points for the Bucks as well.

In the fourth, the Pacers were able to cut the deficit to just three points following a cutting Monta Ellis layup to make it 79-76 with 8:22 left in the game. But from that point, the Milwaukee's offense clicked again, reeling off a 9-3 run to create another comfortable wedge as crunch time approached.

The Pacers host their final Hickory Game of the season when the Milwaukee Buckets visit Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Thursday night at 7 PM ET. Find Tickets »

TV: FOX Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 107.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Slick Leonard (analyst), Pat Boylan (sideline reporter/host)
Please Note: For the remainder of the season, all Pacers radio broadcasts can be heard on FM 107.5 as well as AM 1070 The Fan. Inside Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Pacers radio broadcasts can be heard on 1080 AM instead of 1070.

Hickory State Hat - $10. Game Night Specials can be purchased in the Home Court Gift Shop or any of our souvenir stands located on all levels of Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The special is also available online at PacersGear.com until midnight.

Construction Note: The Delaware St. entrance to the Virginia Ave. Parking Garage is no longer in operation due to the construction of the St. Vincent Center. To enter the Virginia Ave. Parking Garage, please use the entrance located at the intersection of E Maryland St. and S Alabama St.

In addition, the southbound lane of Delaware Street from Maryland to just south of the train bridge will be closed for the duration of the construction project.