Jim Owczarski on Bucks string of wins and Giannis’ greatness
The Milwaukee Bucks’ recent play appears to show they’ve turned a corner. And where does Giannis rank in NBA history? Jim Owczarski discusses.
The Milwaukee Bucks put their 15-game winning streak at Fiserv Forum on the line against the Indiana Pacers at 7 p.m. tonight.
The Bucks (24-8) have gone 9-1 since losing to the Pacers (17-14) in the In-Season Tournament semifinals in Las Vegas on Dec. 7. That includes a 140-126 victory over the Pacers at Fiserv Forum on Dec. 13, a game that saw Giannis Antetokounmpo set a franchise record with 64 points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished the third quarter with 22 points, 15 rebounds and 9 assists to help the Bucks to a 88-84 lead on the Pacers. Indiana’s bench has outscored Milwaukee’s 45-12 and the Pacers have 20 second-chance points to stay connected.
Indiana led by as many as six in the second quarter as they scored 25 points off offensive rebounds (14) or Milwaukee turnovers (11), but the Bucks ultimately took a 62-56 lead into halftime thanks to Antetokounmpo’s 16 points and six assists. Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez added 11 each. Ben Mathurin came off the Pacers bench to score 12.
Milwaukee took an early 15-point lead on Indiana but only had 32-25 advantage heading into the second quarter. Antetokounmpo scored 10 and Malik Beasley and Damian Lillard added nine each. Tyrese Haliburton had six points and three assists for Indiana.
Is Giannis playing?
Yes. The two-time league MVP is not on the injury report following the team’s weeklong road trip through New York and Cleveland. He will be playing in his 22nd straight game, his longest streak since playing in 31 consecutive games in 2020-21.
What happened the last time the Bucks played the Pacers?
Not only did Antetokounmpo score 64 points, but there were several heated postgame conversations between different members of each team and Antetokounmpo ultimately ran down the Pacers tunnel.
Click here for a more detailed version on what led to those conversations.
Bobby Portis was also ejected in that game and several Pacers players were assessed technical fouls.
Bucks injury report
- Thanasis Antetokounmpo, available (personal reasons)
- MarJon Beauchamp, out (non-COVID illness)
- Jae Crowder, out (left adductor surgery)
Bucks starters
- Guards: Damian Lillard, Malik Beasley
- Forwards: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton
- Center: Brook Lopez
Bucks vs Pacers odds, over/under
The Bucks are 8.5-point favorites over the Pacers and the over/under is 259.5 points, per BetMGM. The teams continue to set records in this regard. ESPN reported that the Dec. 7 over/under of 257.5 was the highest in the NBA since 1991. Then the Dec. 13 game had an over/under of 258.5.
Christine Lake is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. With an extensive background in sports journalism, he covers everything from major league championships to grassroots sports events. When she’s not on the field or at the stadium, you’ll find Christine coaching youth sports teams.
