NBA Picks Today: Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds and Predictions on December 31

The Indiana Pacers gun for its second consecutive victory while the Milwaukee Bucks hope to snap a two-game losing skid as they clash this Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

“Indiana enters this matchup in high spirits after upsetting the defending champions Boston Celtics 123-114 on Sunday while Milwaukee dropped its second game in a row on Saturday losing to the Chicago Bulls 116-111.”

(Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).

• This will be the second of four meetings between the Pacers and the Bucks this season with the latter winning their first encounter 129-117 thanks to a triple-double performance from former two-time league Most Valuable Player (MVP) Giannis Antetokounmpo.
• Unlike their first matchup, however, Indiana is the slight 1.5-point favorite versus Milwaukee here as per the latest Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks betting lines.
• Although it rarely happens, Milwaukee has continuously delivered as a dog, having covered the spread five out of nine times.

Will the Pacers extend its winning streak and tie the season series or will the Bucks break free from their current slump?

With plenty of questions still up in the air, let’s dig deep at how both teams look in this in-depth Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks sports predictions article.

Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks DraftKings NBA Odds for December 31

Moneyline

• Indiana Pacers: -125
• Milwaukee Bucks: -105

Spread

• Indiana Pacers: -1.5 (-110)
• Milwaukee Bucks: +1.5 (-110)

Over/Under (Total)

• OVER 231 (-110)
• UNDER 231 (-110)

Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report

Indiana Pacers Injury Report

1. Obi Toppin – Ankle – Day-to-Day
2. Aaron Nesmith – Ankle – Out
3. Isaiah Jackson – Achilles – Out
4. James Wiseman – Achilles – Out

Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Illness – Questionable
2. Khris Middleton - Ankle - Probable
3. AJ Johnson – Illness – Day-to-Day

Best NBA odds for Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks

• The Indiana Pacers have covered the spread five out of 13 times at home this season. The best Indiana Pacers odds for the home team to cover the spread are available on DraftKings for a solid price of -110.
• The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Indiana Pacers by double digits earlier this season. DraftKings offers the best odds for the Bucks to cover the spread at -110.
• Offensive fireworks are always in full display when the Indiana Pacers and the Milwaukee Bucks clash with the over points total hitting five out of their previous six encounters. The best Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks odds for the over are available on Caesars Sportsbook at -110.

Why will the Indiana Pacers cover the spread?

Bouncing back from double-digit losses has seemingly become a habit for the Indiana Pacers as evident of their performance on Sunday against the Boston Celtics.

Fresh off a 37-point loss to the same Celtics on Friday, the Pacers leaned on the heroics of Tyrese Haliburton who recorded 31 points, seven assists, and six rebounds to beat the defending champions 123-114 and return to the win column.

Indiana hopes to do the same as they take on the Milwaukee Bucks next – a team that also beat them by double digits earlier this season – and they might be able to do so, with plenty of offensive sources available.

Unlike their first meeting with the Bucks where they were bleeding on offense, the Pacers now have enough offensive firepower and that could be the difference maker in helping them cover the spread here.

• One thing that comes into mind is crafty point guard Andrew Nembhard who has racked up six consecutive double-digit games this month, with the last being a near-triple performance of 17 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.

Nembhard missed the Pacers’ initial matchup versus the Bucks this season with a nagging knee injury. With Nembhard in full health and the Pacers having another offensive firepower other than Pascal Siakam, Benedict Mathurin, and Haliburton, there could be value towards backing them to cover the spread here.

• It is also worth noting that the Pacers – for all the flak they have been getting this season – have been impressive as far as covering the spread is concerned going 9-7 Against-The-Spread (ATS) as an underdog.

For the Pacers to increase their chances of covering though, they’ll probably need to start strong and set the offensive tempo early. In their first meeting versus the Bucks, they found themselves down early and were playing catch up all night long, which simply won’t cut it against a talented Milwaukee team.

Why will the Milwaukee Bucks cover the spread?

After winning 13 of their last 16, the Milwaukee Bucks have found themselves in an unfamiliar position only winning twice in the past five games.

Milwaukee dropped its second consecutive game on Saturday versus the Chicago Bulls 116-111 despite a double-double performance from Damian Lillard who recorded 29 points and 12 assists.

Former two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo missed his fourth consecutive game due to an illness but he is listed as day-to-day and could play against the Indiana Pacers.

Despite Antetokounmpo’s injury status, Milwaukee is still the slight favorite as per the latest Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks betting lines and rightfully so.

• It can be recalled that the Bucks dominated the Pacers 129-117 in their first matchup season thanks to a total team effort that saw six Milwaukee players hit the double-digit mark.
• Although Antetokounmpo led the team in scoring with 37 points, Milwaukee’s bench proved to be the X-factor in their first meeting versus Indiana as they outscored the latter’s reserves 44-30.
• Lillard was also impressive in their first meeting, finishing with a double-double of 24 points and 13 assists on top of five rebounds while converting eight of his 19 attempts from the field.

For the Bucks to cover the spread here versus the Pacers though, they would likely need to be more aggressive inside, especially on the rebounding department with Antetokounmpo still not a 100%

It can be recalled that Indiana out-rebounded Milwaukee in their first meeting this season 46-44 and what’s even worse is the latter gave away 14 second-chance opportunities.

Should the Bucks find a way to impose its presence down low and limit their turnovers, backing them to cover the spread at -110 even without Antetokounmpo might be worth a punt or two.

Final Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks NBA Prediction: Over 231 (-110)

Had Giannis Antetokounmpo been 100% healthy, then I would not hesitate in backing the Milwaukee Bucks to not only cover the spread but win in dominant fashion.

However, with Antetokounmpo still questionable and the Indiana Pacers fresh off an inspiring win over the defending champions Boston Celtics, I’ll steer clear from the spread and money line markets here.

That said, I am leaning towards the over to hit in this Eastern Conference clash. It is also worth noting that the over hit in five of the last six meetings between the Pacers and the Bucks.