Last Updated: March 11 at 5:45 PM
Matchup
The Pacers (29-34) will look to extend their longest winning streak of the season to seven games on Thursday, when the Milwaukee Bucks (34-30) visit Bankers Life Fieldhouse. It will be the third meeting this season between the two Central Division rivals. The Bucks won in Indy on Nov. 4 and the Pacers returned the favor in Milwaukee on Jan. 2.
Milwaukee seemed locked into no worse than the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference at the All-Star break, but a lot has changed in recent weeks. The Pacers have won 12 of their last 14 games to surge into seventh place, while the Bucks have dropped seven of their last 10 contests.
Now, the Blue & Gold are just four games back of Milwaukee in the loss column and have two games against the Bucks in the next two weeks (they'll meet again March 26 in Milwaukee). Whoever finishes in sixth place in the East will avoid Atlanta and likely Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs.
Despite their recent swoon, the Bucks' record is a testament to a phenomenal coaching job by Jason Kidd in his first year in Milwaukee. The Bucks have a winning record despite losing rookie Jabari Parker to a season-ending knee injury in December and seeing projected starting center Larry Sanders walk away from basketball in the middle of the season.
Milwaukee made an interesting move at the trade deadline, dealing away leading scorer Brandon Knight and reserve guard Kendall Marshall in a three-team deal with Philadelphia and Phoenix. In return, the Bucks picked up 2014 Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams, rookie guard Tyler Ennis, and former Pacers big man Miles Plumlee.
Looking at the deal from the long view, the Bucks added some intriguing young assets for Knight, who could have left in free agency this summer. However, it seems to have dampened their hopes for this season. Milwaukee is just 4-7 since making that deal.
One positive for the Bucks as of late has been the play of third-year guard/forward Khris Middleton. The 23-year-old has scored in double digits in 17 consecutive games, the longest streak of his career. He is averaging 18.2 points and is shooting 50 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from 3-point range over that time period. He has scored 30 points in two of his last three contests, including Wednesday night's win over Orlando.
Projected Starters
George Hill
C.J. Miles
Solomon Hill
David West
Ian Mahinmi
Michael Carter-Williams
Khris Middleton
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Ersan Ilyasova
Zaza Pachulia
Pacers: PG - George Hill, SG - C.J. Miles, SF - Solomon Hill, PF - David West, C - Ian Mahinmi
Bucks: PG - Michael Carter-Williams, SG - Khris Middleton, SF - Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF - Ersan Ilyasova, C - Zaza Pachulia
Injury Report
Pacers: Paul George - out (rehabilitation for broken right leg), Roy Hibbert - out (sore left elbow), C.J. Miles - probable (sore right foot)
Bucks: Damien Inglis - out (right ankle surgery), Jabari Parker - out (left knee surgery), O.J. Mayo - out (sore right hamstring)
Last Meeting
January 2, 2015: The Pacers gutted out a 94-91 win in Milwaukee. C.J. Miles led five Pacers players in double figures with 22 points. Roy Hibbert added 18 points and seven rebounds.
Brandon Knight led the Bucks with 20 points and seven assists. John Henson (14 points and 10 rebounds) and Zaza Pachulia (12 points and 14 boards) each recorded double-doubles.
Noteworthy
- Indiana has won seven of their last eight games over the Bucks.
- Milwaukee leads the overall series with the Pacers 92-81, but the Pacers are 52-35 against the Bucks in Indianapolis.
- The Pacers have played just two games all year on a Thursday, losing in Portland on Dec. 4 and beating the Knicks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Jan. 29.
Broadcast Information TV & Radio Listings »
TV: FOX Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 107.5/1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Slick Leonard (analyst), Pat Boylan (sideline reporter/host)
Tickets
Good seats still remain for Thursday's game against the Bucks. Reserve your seats now: Find Tickets »
Bankers Life Fieldhouse Improvements Underway
Starting the week of Feb. 2, concession stands located outside of Sections 5 and 14 on the Main Concourse and Sections 215 and 231 on the Balcony Level will be temporarily closed. Fans sitting in these sections are asked to please visit other nearby concession stands. More Info »
Home Court Gift Shop Game Night Special
Select Pacers Long-Sleeve T-Shirts - $15. Game Night Specials can be purchased in the Home Court Gift Shop or any of our souvenir stands located on all levels of Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Please shop online also at PacersGear.com.