The Indiana Pacers ended the Milwaukee Bucks’ 15-game home winning streak on Monday, and tonight the Bucks hope to end the Pacers’ four-game win streak at Gainbridge Field House. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. CT.
Indiana (18-14) has already won the season series over Milwaukee (24-9) by claiming three of the four games played so far.
In the previous game, the Pacers scored 47 points in the third quarter to take a 113-97 lead over the Bucks going into the fourth. Ben Mathurin scored nine in the frame for the Pacers while the Bucks went 1-for-6 from behind the three-point line.
The Bucks had a narrow 68-66 lead in a high-scoring first half in which every player on both teams who played, scored.
Three-time all-star Khris Middleton had been listed as questionable to play due to a right knee injury management and a left wrist sprain, but Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin confirmed he will be available. Middleton had missed the first 20 games of the season due to wrist surgery.
Milwaukee is 4-1 in the games Middleton has missed this season.
Other players facing injury challenges include Pat Connaughton, who is questionable due to a non-COVID illness, and Jae Crowder, who is out recovering from left adductor surgery.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will be playing for the Bucks tonight, coming off a strong game against Indiana on New Year’s Day where he scored 30 points, pulled down 18 rebounds, and handed out 11 assists.
The Bucks and Pacers have had an interesting season series so far, with several intense games and memorable moments. This game promises to be another exciting match-up as the two teams continue their rivalry on the court.