The Milwaukee Bucks (11-18) visit the Indiana Pacers (6-23) in a Central Division matchup between two underperforming Eastern Conference teams, both mired in losing streaks and dealing with significant injuries. The Bucks, without star Giannis Antetokounmpo, have lost five of their last six games, while the Pacers are on a five-game skid and hold one of the league’s worst records. This game could hinge on perimeter shooting and bench production, as both squads rank poorly in defensive efficiency—the Pacers allow 118.4 points per game, and the Bucks aren’t far behind at 115.2. Earlier this season, the Bucks edged the Pacers 117-115 on November 3, 2025, in Indianapolis.
Expect a low-scoring grind if defenses step up, but trends suggest the over could hit given recent high-total games for both.
Venue Location
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana. This 18,165-capacity arena has been the Pacers’ home since 1999 and features a passionate fanbase, though attendance has waned amid the team’s struggles this season.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Indiana (FDSIN) for Pacers viewers and FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (FDSWI) for Bucks fans, with streaming available on NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Injuries are crippling both teams, with the Pacers particularly shorthanded in the frontcourt and the Bucks missing their MVP-caliber leader, forcing adjustments to smaller lineups and increased reliance on guards.
Milwaukee Bucks:
Giannis Antetokounmpo: Out (right calf strain) – The superstar forward (averaging 30.2 PPG, 11.8 RPG) has been sidelined since December 3, contributing to the team’s slide.
Taurean Prince: Out (neck) – The veteran wing provides spacing (8.4 PPG, 35% 3PT) but remains unavailable.
Khris Middleton: Available – Recently returned from a wrist issue, expected to shoulder more scoring (18.6 PPG).
Indiana Pacers:
Isaiah Jackson: Game-time decision (undisclosed) – The athletic big man’s status is uncertain, impacting rebounding (7.2 RPG).
Ben Sheppard: Out (undisclosed) – Ruled out until at least December 26.
Aaron Nesmith: Out (undisclosed) – Out until at least December 26, weakening perimeter defense.
Obi Toppin: Out (knee) – Sidelined until at least February 2, a major blow to bench energy (12.5 PPG).
Two additional players listed on the report, per sources, but details pending final submission.
The Pacers have six players on their injury list, while the Bucks have two key absences.
Player Matchups
Without Antetokounmpo, the Bucks will lean on guard play to exploit Indiana’s turnover-prone offense (15.6 per game), while the Pacers aim to push the pace at home.
Damian Lillard (MIL) vs. Tyrese Haliburton (IND): Lillard’s scoring (26.4 PPG, 7.2 APG) faces Haliburton’s playmaking (22.8 PPG, 9.5 APG); Haliburton must limit Lillard’s three-point shooting (38%) to keep it close.
Pascal Siakam (IND) vs. Brook Lopez (MIL): Siakam’s versatility (20.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG) tests Lopez’s rim protection (12.2 PPG, 2.1 BPG); Siakam led with 25 points in a recent game.
Andrew Nembhard (IND) vs. Khris Middleton (MIL): Nembhard’s recent assist surge (7 dimes in last game) vs. Middleton’s mid-range game; this could decide bench minutes.
Bench Watch: Bobby Portis (MIL) vs. Bench Unit (IND): Portis (14.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG) could dominate a depleted Pacers frontcourt, especially if Jackson sits.
The Bucks emphasize ball security post-Giannis, while the Pacers focus on transition scoring.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams are in freefall, with the Bucks at 2-8 in their last 10 and the Pacers 1-9, marked by poor shooting and defensive lapses.
Milwaukee Bucks (2-8 in last 10 games, averaging 108.4 PPG scored, 115.2 PPG allowed):
Dec 21: L 105-111 vs. Toronto Raptors
Dec 19: L at Minnesota Timberwolves (part of three-game skid)
Recent trend: Lost three straight and five of six without Antetokounmpo, with a 7-game losing streak earlier in November; offense has dipped to 42% FG in losses.
Indiana Pacers (1-9 in last 10 games, averaging 106.8 PPG scored, 118.4 PPG allowed):
Dec 20: L 113-114 vs. New York Knicks
Dec 18: L at New Orleans Pelicans
Recent trend: 0-5 in last five, including blowouts; turnovers and rebounding issues persist, but a win on December 5 vs. Chicago snapped a prior streak.
| Team | Last 5 Games | Key Stat |
| Bucks | L-L-L-W-L | 1-4 road record in stretch, -7.2 point differential |
| Pacers | L-L-L-L-L | 0-5, allowing 122.6 PPG |
Series History
The Bucks lead the all-time regular-season series 119-97 in 216 games. Recently, the teams are even at 5-5 in the last 10 meetings, with Milwaukee winning the most recent on November 3, 2025 (117-115). At Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Bucks hold a slight edge in recent years, going 6-4 in the last 10 road games vs. Indiana. The Pacers’ last win over Milwaukee was on March 15, 2025.
Betting Trends
Milwaukee is 12-17 ATS overall but 4-6 as road favorites; Indiana is 10-19 ATS, including 5-10 at home as underdogs. The over has hit in 6 of the Bucks’ last 10 and 7 of the Pacers’ last 10, fueled by defensive woes. Bucks are 1-4 ATS in last five; Pacers 2-3 ATS at home vs. spread. Player props: Damian Lillard over 25.5 points (-110) has cashed in 5 of 7 road games.
Game Odds
Milwaukee Bucks – 1.5
Indiana Pacers 218.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 22, 2025
