Milwaukee Bucks (49-33) vs. Indiana Pacers (47-35)
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers Game 3 4/26/24 – The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as the Milwaukee Bucks face off against the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs’ first round. Set to clash on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, both teams bring competitive season records into this matchup, with the Bucks at 49-33 and the Pacers slightly behind at 47-35. With the playoffs heating up, every game counts, and the handicapper best insights from a seasoned player indicate a game filled with strategic plays and high stakes.
The Milwaukee Bucks have had quite a stellar offensive display throughout the year with an average of 119 points per game along with a field goal % of 48.7%. This team, with their 3-point shots, especially from the long range, stands best with 37.3% matching an average triple of 14.2 per game. Nonetheless, their away game performance against the point spread (16-24) has been relatively disappointing and it might definitely affect their performance at the home territory of the Pacers.
On the other side, the Pacers have conquered the scoring board with even more power as they own 123.3 points averagely per game while shooting 50.7% from the field. These two have shown great playmaking in their athletics; indicated by their average of 30.8 assists per match that is of great relevance in their home game dominance. Their slightly better record against the spread on the road (22-19) vs. the Bucks might give them a slight edge in the playoff situation.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers Game 3 4/26/24 Game Info
| When: | Friday, April 26, 2024 at 5:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Damian Lillard (PG) vs. Tyrese Haliburton (PG)
Damian Lillard together with others just played in 73 games of the season, where he scored 24.3 points per game and gave 7 assists. His ability to cope with the pressure of the match and provide valuable baskets is one of the trump cards used by Milwaukee in their strategy. Even though turnovers were not an issue for him (he had 2.6 per game during the playoffs against an aggressive defense of the Pacers), they may be a point of concern as the season progresses.
Tyrese Haliburton had a productive season for the Pacers where he was averaging 10.9 assists per game complemented by 20.1 points that were his contribution to the team’s success. He features above average assist-to-turnover ratio (4.7) and defensive stats such as rebounding, stealing, and blocking. All of the team knows he is a big force to overcome even for strong teams like the Bucks.
The physical encounter between these two point guards will not only be regarded as an encounter concerning scoring, but also as a decisive factor in terms of ball control and playmaking. Lillard’s bold style of play will put Haliburton to the test of his defensive skill, and the same pressure would be put on the former too.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Indiana Pacers -175, Total Odds: 224.5
The current betting odds favor the Pacers, with a -175 moneyline and a spread of -4.5, reflecting their strong performance and home-court advantage. The total set at 224.5 and trends towards high-scoring games suggest bettors might look towards an over scenario.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Trends
The Bucks have been bad recently, posting a 2-3 mark in the last five games, both straight up and against the spread. Last 3 meetings between these teams have been high scoring games with totals exceeding in 3 out of 5 fixtures. Wagers also should account for such trends, especially when the Bucks are on the road and face tougher competition.
Indiana Pacers Betting Trends
To the contrary, the Pacers have been in good form, winning 4 of the last 5 games and covering the spread in 3 of those games. The total has been covered in each of their previous 5 games suggesting a likelihood of high-scoring matches to come, given their attacking capabilities.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers 4/26/24 Betting Picks
Given the Pacers’ strong performance and home-court advantage, they seem the safer bet in this matchup. However, the Bucks’ ability to score heavily should not be underestimated, making the over on total points a compelling pick.
For those looking for specific plays, betting on the Pacers to cover the spread seems promising, complemented by betting on the game total going over. For free NBA Playoffs tips, watching the in-game adjustments and rotations could provide bettors with a tactical edge in live betting scenarios.
Free Pick and Prediction: Indiana Pacers 118, Milwaukee Bucks 112.