The Bucks vs. Pacers NBA In-Season Tournament game is set up after the conclusion of the exciting and surprising quarterfinals.
Milwaukee and Indiana players remain in contention for the $500,000 prize money after they took care of the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics, respectively.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard took care of the Knicks in the fourth quarter with their offensive onslaught, while the Pacers and Tyrese Haliburton, who is tired of being a loser, upset the Celtics who were without Kristaps Porzingis.
The winner of this tie will play the winner between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans.
NBA In-Season Tournament semifinals will be played on a neutral court in Las Vegas on December 7 at 17:00 ET / 14:00 PT.
It will be a nationally televised game through ESPN.
Bucks vs. Pacers NBA In-Season Tournament Odds
The Pacers will remain the underdog despite their showing from last time, according to sportsbook sites.
Against The Spread (ATS): 3.5 points (Bucks -4.5)
Over/Under (OU): 254.5 (Under)
Prediction: Bucks 128-121 Pacers
Money line: Bucks -190, Pacers +155
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Bucks vs. Pacers NBA In-Season Tournament Preview
The Bucks are starting to figure things out. Lillard is assimilating well into Adrian Griffin's system after 21 games.
In their first 10 games, the Bucks were -54 with Dame on and +30 with Dame off. That changed drastically in their next 11 games, including the last few NBA In-Season Tournament.
They are +113 with Dame in the last 11 and -5 with him out of the court.
Giannis is his usual dominant self, and that is something that the Pacers need to focus on. Myles Turner will need all his help to stop the Greek Freak.
Giannis scored 54 points in their first meeting, which, however, ended in a Pacers win.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle knows they have work to do against the two-time MVP despite coming out on top in that game.
"We had to deal with a player who was extraordinarily hot and on a roll," he said back in November.
"We executed as well as we could and created some chaos defensively. You've got to take some risks or else he's going to end up with 60. Very fortunate to get the win."
Guard Benedict Mathurin also thought their defense gave them the win. However, that is not their strength overall as a team. They are 12th in the defensive rating, while the Bucks are tied in #1 with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Celtics, who the Pacers beat a few days ago.
But of course, this is a knockout game, and statistics are thrown out the window in these instances.
Bucks vs. Pacers NBA In-Season Tournament Pick
It would be a sin to go against the Bucks right now. They are ripening up at the right time, and while their defense can be atrocious on a bad night, their offense will not let them down with Antetokounmpo and Lillard in tow.
The Pacers will have to more than double their effort in offense and defense, and Haliburton needs to be sensational again to pull off the win.
Bucks will win the game, 131-121.
Related article: Rick Carlisle Coaching Career - A Look at the Pacers Head Coach's History in the NBA
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