The No. 6 seed Indiana Pacers host the No. 3 seed Milwaukee Bucks in Game 3 of their first-round series in the 2024 NBA playoffs on Friday. The first two games in Milwaukee were split 1-1. The Bucks won Game 1, but the Pacers rebounded in Game 2. On April 23, Indiana topped Milwaukee 125-108. Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is doubtful for the Bucks.
Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana. The Pacers are 6-point favorites in the latest Bucks vs. Pacers odds via SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total points is 221. Before making any Pacers vs. Bucks picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters the second week of the 2024 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 90-58 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $2,800. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Bucks vs. Pacers and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Pacers vs. Bucks:
- Bucks vs. Pacers spread: Indiana -6
- Bucks vs. Pacers over/under: 221 points
- Bucks vs. Pacers money line: Indiana -245, Milwaukee +197
- MIL: The Milwaukee Bucks have hit the 1H Game Total Under in 34 of their last 57 games
- IND: The Indiana Pacers have hit the team total Over in 26 of their last 39 games at home
- Bucks vs. Pacers picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Bucks can cover
Guard Damian Lillard has been the best player on the floor for Milwaukee without Antetokounmpo. Lillard is fearless with the ball and scores from all three levels consistently. The eight-time All-Star is averaging 34.5 points, five rebounds and four assists through two games in the postseason. In Game 2, Lillard had 34 points and five assists.
Forward Khris Middleton (ankle, questionable) provides Milwaukee with another force in the frontcourt. Middleton has been a solid scorer from the mid-range and downtown while being unselfish with the basketball. The 32-year-old is putting up 19 points, 7.5 rebounds and five assists through the first two games. In Game 1, he notched 23 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. See which team to pick here.
Why the Pacers can cover
Forward Pascal Siakam keeps torching the Bucks. Siakam has been the Pacers' top playmaker this series due to his diverse offensive attack and ability to finish with either hand in the paint. He's been getting to his spots with ease, leading the team in both scoring (36.5) and rebounds (12) through two games. In the Game 2 win, Siakam tallied 37 points, 11 boards and six assists.
Center Myles Turner gives Indiana another athletic force in the frontcourt. He is disruptive as a defender and has the range to knock down 3-pointers. The former Texas standout has averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per contest. In his last outing, Turner supplied 22 points, seven boards and six assists. See which team to pick here.
How to make Pacers vs. Bucks picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 232 points. The model also says one side hits in over 60% of simulations. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Bucks vs. Pacers, and which side hits in over 60% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread to jump on, all from the advanced model that has returned more than $2,800 on its NBA picks this season, and find out.
