GST Staff

Bucks vs. Pacers Prediction, Odds, Best Prop Bets December 31, 2024

Central Division Clash: Red-Hot Pacers Offense vs. Stingy Bucks Defense

Game Preview

The Milwaukee Bucks (16-14) take their show on the road to face the Indiana Pacers (16-17) in a Central Division clash. Both teams have hovered around .500 through the first few months of the season, setting the stage for an intriguing New Year's Eve matchup.

The Pacers enter on a high note after snapping a brief two-game skid, riding the momentum of a 130.8 point per game average over their last 10 contests. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, shooting a blistering 50.3 percent from the field and dishing out 33.1 assists per game during this stretch. However, their defense has been more vulnerable, allowing 113.4 points a night as opponents have capitalized on Indiana's 13.0 turnovers per game.

Meanwhile, the Bucks have hit a rough patch, losing two straight after a promising 14-6 run over their previous 20 games. Their normally stingy defense has shown cracks lately, surrendering 108.6 points per game over the last five while forcing just 10.2 steals. Milwaukee will need to tighten things up at that end to slow down the red-hot Pacers offense.

A key area to watch will be the three-point battle. The Bucks have been deadly from deep lately, hitting just over 40 percent from beyond the arc over their last 10 games. But the Pacers have been nearly as proficient, hovering around 39 percent during the same stretch. Whichever team asserts its long-range prowess could gain a decisive edge in this Central Division showdown to close out 2024.