3 things to watch as Milwaukee Bucks return home against Indiana Pacers

Following a four-game road trip that saw the Milwaukee Bucks go 2-2 in that stretch, they now return home for a single game against the Indiana Pacers. This will be the third of four meetings between the Central Division foes, with the Bucks taking the first two games, both in Indiana.

The most recent matchup between these teams saw the Bucks stomp the Pacers in a 118-100 win for their seventh-straight victory. Since that game, Milwaukee has gone 5-3 while the Pacers have gone 3-4 with both teams losing their most recent game.

There has been plenty of speculation about these two teams making a trade after rumors came out that the Pacers would be willing to listen to offers on almost all of their players, including Myles Turner who would be of interest to the Bucks. There are pros and cons to a trade like that, but it seems unlikely at the moment. Instead, let’s talk about the actual basketball game that will be played!

How will the Milwaukee Bucks handle their many absences?

Tonight was supposed to be the return of Donte DiVincenzo and although Khris Middleton may have been out, it was going to be nice to get some semblance of reinforcements. Instead, things got worse!

The Bucks were already going to be without Wesley Matthews due to health and safety protocols, but it was later announced that Giannis Antetokounmpo and DiVincenzo would both be entered into health and safety protocols, meaning they’re out tonight and for multiple games.

This means the Bucks will be severely shorthanded tonight. Not only are they missing their three players in health and safety protocols, but they’re already without Brook Lopez and Semi Ojeleye and will likely be missing Middleton (who is listed as questionable, but it would be a surprise if they rushed him back) as well as DeMarcus Cousins who is listed as out due to personal reasons.

This leaves the Bucks with only 10 active players available for tonight: Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, Pat Connaughton, Bobby Portis, George Hill, Rodney Hood, Jordan Nwora, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Javonte Smart, and Sandro Mamukelashvili.

For this game, in particular, the Bucks will have a rough time on the interior with only Portis, Mamukelashvili, and technically Thanasis being their only available big men. The Pacers should be able to feast inside with Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner, but also their guards and wings being able to penetrate with a severe lack of rim protection.