The Indiana Pacers will take on the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum in an early season NBA game. The Pacers have a solid 2-1 start, while the Bucks are looking for their first win after starting 0-3. This game will be broadcast on WCGV at 8:00 PM on Monday, October 26, 2026.
The Pacers are led by Head Coach Rick Carlisle and are currently ranked 5th in the Eastern Conference. They have shown strength on the road with a 2-0 away record. Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam have been key players, with Haliburton posting 24 points in their recent win against the Brooklyn Nets.
The Bucks, coached by Taylor Jenkins, are eager to change their fortunes. They hold the 13th position in the Eastern Conference after three consecutive losses. Despite the rough start, Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been performing well, putting up 21 points against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Oddsmakers have favored the Pacers with a spread of -4.5, while the Bucks are given a spread of +4.5. The over/under for this game is set at 239.5 points, indicating expectations for a high-scoring encounter. The Bucks will aim to leverage their home court to secure a much-needed win.
Bucks vs Pacers At a Glance
- Game Venue: Fiserv Forum
- Game Time: Monday, October 26, 2026, at 8:00 PM
- TV Channel: WCGV
- Pacers Record: 2-1
- Bucks Record: 0-3
- Pacers Favorite: -4.5 spread
Milwaukee Bucks Ready to Bounce Back at Home
Offensive Power
The Milwaukee Bucks are scoring 119 points per game, placing them 8th in the league. They attempt 91 field goals per game, hitting 47.3% of them, ranking 12th. They are effective from beyond the arc, making 15 three-pointers per game, which ranks 5th.
However, their free throw shooting has room for improvement, making only 70.1% of their attempts. This ranks them 29th in the league. Improving this aspect could make a difference in close games.
Defensive Challenges
On defense, the Bucks allow 129 points per game, which is last in the league. They allow opponents to take 94 field goal attempts per game. Opponents are shooting 46.5% from the field against them.
The Bucks are strong in steals, leading the league with 5 per game. They also block 4 shots per game, ranking 6th. Improving their defense will be key to turning around their season.
Key Players to Watch
Tyler Herro is leading the Bucks with 23.7 points per game. He also contributes 4.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Jaime Jaquez Jr. is another player to watch, averaging 20.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
Kel'el Ware is making an impact with 12.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. His presence in the paint is vital for the Bucks. These players will be crucial in their upcoming home games.
Recent Game Performances
The Bucks are coming off a 116-127 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. In this game, Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 21 points with 8 rebounds. Tyler Herro had an impressive game against the Chicago Bulls, scoring 34 points.
In the game against the Washington Wizards, Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 22 points. Despite these performances, the team has yet to secure a win this season.
Betting Trends
- The Bucks are 0-3 straight up in their last three games.
- They are 1-2 against the spread in their last three games.
- The total has gone over in all three games this season.
Indiana Pacers Gear Up for Next Game
Key Players on the Pacers
Pascal Siakam is an important player for the Pacers. He is scoring 24.7 points per game and grabbing 6.0 rebounds.
Tyrese Haliburton is another key contributor. He averages 21.7 points and 9.7 assists per game.
Obi Toppin adds depth to the Pacers' roster. He contributes 16.3 points per game.
Recent Performances
The Pacers recently played against the Brooklyn Nets. They won with a score of 136-109.
Against the Dallas Mavericks, they lost 121-105. They shot 44.3% from the field in that game.
They faced the New Orleans Pelicans and won 123-120. Siakam scored 30 points in this game.
Injury Concerns
Ivica Zubac is dealing with an ankle injury. He is doubtful to play.
T.J. McConnell has a hamstring strain. His status is questionable for the upcoming game.
Ben Sheppard is out due to a left knee injury. He will not be available.
Betting Trends
- The Pacers have won 2 out of their last 3 games straight up.
- Against the spread, they are 1-2 in their last 3 games.
- In terms of totals, the over has hit in 2 of their last 3 games.
Bucks vs Pacers Prediction: Over 239.5
The Pacers are scoring 121.3 points per game, ranking them 5th in the league. Their offensive stats show a high field goal percentage and effective shooting. This suggests they can score effectively against the Bucks.
Milwaukee allows 129 points per game, which is the highest in the league. Their defense struggles in limiting opponents' scoring, indicating this game could see many points scored. The Bucks' defense also allows a high number of free throws, further contributing to potential scoring.
Their head-to-head games have shown high scores in the past. For example, the October 16th, 2026 game saw a combined score of 255 points. This trend supports the likelihood of a high-scoring game.
Considering the Pacers' offensive capability and the Bucks' defensive issues, the total score should exceed 239.5. A projected score of Pacers 124 - Bucks 118 seems plausible.
- Bucks vs Pacers Prediction: Over 239.5
- Bucks vs Pacers Score: Pacers 124 - Bucks 118
Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Get more picks and sports insights in your inbox
Subscribe to the Knup newsletter for nightly NBA previews, sports business notes, and ecosystem updates.