The long-standing rivalry for Central Division supremacy sees a new chapter tonight as the Milwaukee Bucks travel to face the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This marks the second game of a challenging five-game road trip for the Bucks, who are looking to improve their dismal 3-10 record away from home.
Struggling Teams Seek Redemption
Both franchises enter this contest mired in difficult seasons. The Milwaukee Bucks hold an overall record of 11 wins and 18 losses, while the Indiana Pacers are faring even worse at 6 wins and 23 losses, placing them among the Eastern Conference's bottom dwellers. The Bucks' last road victory dates back to November 10 in Dallas. However, they do have a positive memory in Indianapolis, having won there on November 3 thanks to a dramatic game-winning shot from Giannis Antetokounmpo as time expired.
Key Details: When and Where to Watch
The Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks game is scheduled for Tuesday, December 23, at 7:40 p.m. EST. The action will unfold at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. For television viewers, the match will be telecast on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin for Bucks fans and FanDuel Sports Network Indiana for Pacers supporters. Online streaming will be available via Fubo and Prime Video.
Projected Starting Lineups and Major Absences
The injury report significantly impacts both teams' potential lineups. For the Pacers, the expected starters are listed as Kevin Porter Jr. (PG), AJ Green (SG), Kyle Kuzma (SF), Bobby Portis (PF), and Myles Turner (C). The Bucks are projected to start Andrew Nembhard (PG), Ethan Thompson (SG), Bennedict Mathurin (SF), Pascal Siakam (PF), and Jay Huff (C).
The injury situation is severe. The Milwaukee Bucks will be without their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is out with a calf injury. Taurean Prince is also sidelined following surgery. The Pacers' infirmary is equally crowded, with key players like Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles), Aaron Nesmith (knee), Obi Toppin (foot), Isaiah Jackson (head), and Ben Sheppard (calf) all ruled out. T.J. McConnell is listed as day-to-day with a knee issue.
Game Prediction and Recent Form
Recent performances paint a picture of two struggling squads. The Bucks are coming off a 103-100 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, where they failed to cover as a 7.5-point underdog. Kevin Porter Jr. was a bright spot, leading Milwaukee with 24 points. The Bucks have now lost five of their last six games and are on a three-game losing streak. Against the spread (ATS), they are 13-16 overall.
The Indiana Pacers are also in poor form, suffering their fifth consecutive loss in a 103-95 defeat to the Boston Celtics on Monday. Pascal Siakam led the team with 25 points in that contest. Despite their 2-5 record in the last seven games, they have managed a 4-3 record against the spread in that span, bringing their season ATS tally to 15-14.
With both teams missing crucial talent and desperate for a win, this Central Division clash promises high effort, even if the star power is diminished. The outcome may hinge on which role players can step up in the absence of their leading men.
