NBA Game Preview: Indiana Pacers (2-1) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (0-3)

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Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Pacers visit on the second night of a back-to-back after a dominant road win, while the Bucks look to avoid an 0-4 start under new head coach Taylor Jenkins. Indiana is playing well early; Milwaukee is still searching for its first victory.

Injury Reports

Indiana Pacers:

Ivica Zubac (left ankle sprain) — Day-to-day / Doubtful / TBD (sprained it Sunday and is unlikely to play)

T.J. McConnell (right hamstring strain) — Out

Ben Sheppard (left meniscus tear) — Out

Johnny Furphy (right ACL) — Out for season

Milwaukee Bucks: None listed.

Jay Huff is expected to start at center for Indiana in Zubac’s likely absence.

Current Player Rosters

Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, Jay Huff (likely starter), Obi Toppin, Larry Nance Jr., Jarace Walker, Kelly Oubre Jr., Quenton Jackson, and others. Depth is tested by the injuries at guard and center.

Milwaukee Bucks: Ryan Rollins, Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kyle Kuzma, Myles Turner, plus AJ Green, Gary Trent Jr., Kel’el Ware, Ousmane Dieng, Kasparas Jakučionis, Caris LeVert, and others. Full health gives Milwaukee more rotation options.

Probable starters (per team reports):
Pacers — Haliburton, Nembhard, Nesmith, Siakam, Huff
Bucks — Rollins, Herro, Jaquez Jr., Kuzma, Turner

Key Player vs. Player Matchups

Tyrese Haliburton vs. Ryan Rollins / Tyler Herro: Haliburton is facilitating and scoring at a high level (recent 24 points + 10 assists). Milwaukee’s guards must contain his pace and playmaking.

Pascal Siakam vs. Kyle Kuzma / Jaime Jaquez Jr.: Siakam’s two-way versatility against Milwaukee’s forward group. Physicality and scoring efficiency will be key.

Myles Turner vs. Jay Huff / Larry Nance Jr.: Turner’s rim protection and spacing against Indiana’s backup-center group. Blocks and defensive presence matter with Zubac out.

Tyler Herro / Jaime Jaquez Jr. vs. Pacers wings (Nesmith, Nembhard, Toppin): Scoring and secondary creation battles on the perimeter and mid-range.

Pace and transition: Both teams play up-tempo; Haliburton’s push vs. Milwaukee’s ability to get stops and run.

Recent Team Forms

Pacers (2-1): Win at New Orleans (123-120), loss vs. Dallas (105-121), blowout win at Brooklyn (136-109) with strong 3-point shooting (21-of-43). Haliburton is rolling; the offense looks fluid when healthy. On a back-to-back.

Bucks (0-3): Losses at Washington (116-128), vs. Chicago (125-132), and at Philadelphia (116-127). Still adjusting under Jenkins; defense has been a major issue (allowing high point totals). Seeking first win of the season.

Indiana has the better early form and road success (2-0 away).

Series History

The Bucks have dominated recent meetings, winning 7 of the past 8 (including all four last season). Last regular-season meeting in March 2026 was a Milwaukee home win (134-123). The teams are scheduled for four games this season.

Betting Trends

High totals reflect the pace both teams play and early scoring environments. Milwaukee’s 0-3 start and defensive issues support the road favorite number; public money has leaned toward the Pacers.

Game Odds

Indiana Pacers                  – 4.5

Milwaukee Bucks            238.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, October 25, 2026

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