Jim Owczarski on the Bucks' winning streak and Giannis' greatness
The Milwaukee Bucks' recent game seems to show that they have turned things around. And where does Giannis stand in NBA history? Jim Owczarski discusses.
The Milwaukee Bucks put their 15-game winning streak on the line against the Indiana Pacers tonight at Fiserv Forum at 7 p.m.
The Bucks (24-8) are 9-1 since losing to the Pacers (17-14) in the semifinals of the in-season tournament on Dec. 7 in Las Vegas. That includes a 140-126 win over the Pacers at Fiserv Forum On December 13, Giannis Antetokounmpo set a franchise record with 64 points.
Indiana led by as many as six points 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 thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo's 16 points and six assists the half-time . Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez added 11 each. Ben Mathurin came off the Pacers bench and scored 12 points.
Milwaukee took an early 15-point lead over Indiana, but only had a 32-25 lead early in the second quarter. Antetokounmpo scored 10 points and Malik Beasley and Damian Lillard added nine points 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 week-long road trip through New York and Cleveland. He will play his 22nd consecutive game, his longest streak since 31 consecutive games in the 2020-21 season.
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 various members of each team, and Antetokounmpo ended up running down the Pacers tunnel.
Click here for a more detailed version of what led to these conversations.
Bobby Portis was also sent off in this game and technical fouls were assessed against several Pacers players.
Bucks injury report
- Thanasis Antetokounmpo, available (personal reasons)
- MarJon Beauchamp, absent (no COVID illness)
- Jae Crowder is out (left adductor surgery)
Bucks starter
- Guards: Damian Lillard, Malik Beasley
- Forward: 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 according to BetMGM. Teams continue to set records in this regard. ESPN reported that the over/under limit as of December 7 was 257.5, the highest in the NBA since 1991. Then the December 13th game had an over/under limit of 258.5.