Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory when hosting Indiana Pacers

Third key – Milwaukee Bucks All-Star forward Khris Middleton is the difference maker

As much as the matchups down low highlight the interesting chess match between the Bucks and the Pacers, the Bucks look to have a clear advantage on the wing with All-Star forward Khris Middleton.

Middleton has been as reliable as ever and looks to be a shoo-in when it comes to All-Star consideration this season. Averaging career highs in points (21.2), shooting (.517/.458/.922), rebounds (6.4) and assists (6), there are no shortage of ways Middleton can do damage and positively impact the Bucks in multiple ways when on the floor.

By playing his most prolific and efficient basketball, Middleton has been clearly indispensable. And for a Pacers team that has been hampered by injuries and absences on the wing, Middleton very well could have a field day against Indiana.

Middleton will surely see plenty of rangy Pacers wing Justin Holiday as well as Jeremy Lamb, who recently returned to action after tearing multiple ligaments in his left knee less than a year ago. However, that’s quite a step down from once having the likes of Victor Oladipo disrupting opposing defenses while wearing blue and gold.

Whether Middleton will realize a plum opportunity to put in a performance befitting of his career year remains to be seen. But for all the matchup problems the Bucks pose for the Pacers, Middleton may be the one that is the toughest to solve, especially coming off a back-to-back.

The Bucks’ meeting with the Indiana Pacers will tip off at 6 p.m. central time Wednesday evening at Fiserv Forum. You can catch the action on ESPN where it will be nationally televised or on Fox Sports Wisconsin for those living locally.