The Pacers showed their style in Game 2 against the Bucks, winning 125-108 and coming back to tie the series at one game apiece.
Indiana appeared to have some concerns early in the series opener, shooting just 8-of-38 (21.1%) from behind the perimeter. But in Game 2, the Pacers improved to 16-of-36 (44.4%) from beyond the arc.
While both teams were somewhat consistent in their 3-point shooting numbers in the playoffs compared to the regular season, the rebounding department was a completely different story.
Indiana University outscored Milwaukee 95-87 during the regular season despite finishing just 28th in that category.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence had a big impact on the Bucks’ performance, especially in the rebounding department.
That deficit will likely continue until the series moves to Indiana for Game 3.
Bucks vs Pacers odds
| team | spread | money line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| bucks | +6 (-108) | +198 | o223.5 (-110) |
| Pacers | -6 (-112) | -240 | u223.5 (-110) |
Bucks analysis
Milwaukee has struggled to contain Indiana’s Pascal Siakam. The eight-year veteran averaged a double-double in the series, averaging 36.5 points and 12 rebounds.
Brook Lopez did most of the work protecting Siakam, who scored 27 points on 12-of-18 shooting (66.7 percent) in the first two games of this matchup.
Lopez often picks up Siakam on the perimeter, pushing him away from the basket and reducing his chances of collecting rebounds. If Antetokounmpo is healthy, he would typically be the player tasked with guarding Siakam, allowing Lopez to drop inside and protect the rim.
And with Lopez off the perimeter, the Pacers are attacking the paint with a 92-70 lead over the Bucks.
Milwaukee won Game 1 (109-94) thanks in large part to 14-of-37 shooting (37.8%) from the perimeter, but it was hard to beat on the road inside the noisy Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It may be impossible to reproduce the performance.
Pacers analysis
The most interesting aspect of this series will be to determine which team is more able to impose their style of play on their opponents. The Pacers see that he prefers an up-tempo style with his second-best pace at 102.16 possessions per 48 minutes.
According to NBA Advanced Stats, there were 97 possessions in Game 1 and 92.5 in Game 2. But while it’s normal to expect fewer possessions in the playoffs, this number may suggest that the pace of play was in the Bucks’ favor.
The most impressive thing about the Pacers’ victory in Game 2 was that they scored 33 more points than they did in Game 1, despite having fewer possessions. If you can double your 3-point shooting percentage and your 3-point shooting percentage, you’re clearly in a good position.
The Pacers will likely get even more comfortable as they return home for Game 3, which could cause trouble for the Bucks if they can pick up the pace.
Bucks vs. Pacers nominations
The total for this game started at 226 and the bet went down to 221.5. It’s probably too big an adjustment, but it’s worth noting that Bucks forward Khris Middleton, who twisted his ankle in Game 2, is questionable.
Middleton was ejected and had to return to the locker room, but returned and scored 15 points (6-of-14, 42.8%) in 36 minutes. However, the injury was enough to cause Middleton to miss Thursday’s practice.
Lopez was the Bucs’ second-leading scorer with 22 points, but Indiana could probably accept that tradeoff if it meant he would be less of an impact on defense.
Would you like to bet on the NBA?
When it comes to the spread, the Pacers are 5.5-point favorites, which is more than I would want to win in a playoff game. Instead, I prefer to target Indiana’s first-half line at -2.5 at BetRivers to significantly reduce that number.
Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton had some interesting comments about the atmosphere he encountered at the Fiserv Forum.
“The regular season crowd was better than the last two games,” Haliburton told reporters.
It’s up to Pacers fans to create a loud atmosphere for Game 3 and get the team off to a fast start.
