Milwaukee Bucks: Getting To Know Potential Playoff Opponents
By Rohan Katti
Indiana Pacers: Regular Season Series 3-1 Bucks
The Pacers are currently trying to fight for a spot toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, which is drastically different from where they looked to be two months ago.
As recently as Feb. 6th, Indiana was riding high at a season-high seven games over .500. However, they have gone 10-18 since then, even if they are slowly on the rise again.
All-Star Paul George is playing his best basketball of this season, highlighted by an entertaining battle against LeBron James and the Cavaliers in a double-overtime thriller on Apr. 2. Even though rumors of his future are likely leaving Pacers fans with a sense of dread, this is still George’s team.
While most of the players who were a part of Indiana’s great teams from earlier in this decade have moved on — Lance Stephenson‘s recent return doesn’t quite hold the same clout — George remains as the leader of the team. During this month of April, George is averaging 33.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
During the regular season series, the Pacers struggled mightily to contain Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. Milwaukee won their first three meetings by an average of 16 points, but that does not tell the full story.
The Greek Freak averaged 23.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in four games against the Pacers. The main reason for this advantage lies in the hands of Indiana’s burgeoning star, Myles Turner. Turner can stand his ground against Thon Maker, John Henson, and Greg Monroe, however, when the Bucks go small and put Giannis at center, Antetokounmpo is too strong and athletic for the young center to handle.
In a seven-game series, the Bucks could exploit this advantage to get the young big man in foul trouble, forcing the Pacers to give minutes to Al Jefferson, who even John Henson can handle.
Middleton was active for the last two games against the Pacers, and he took advantage of being matched with a smaller guard in former Buck Monta Ellis. With Paul George having to guard the main threat in Giannis, having an undersized wing attempt to handle Middleton would not be successful for Indiana.