The Indiana Pacers are set for a rematch against the Milwaukee Bucks tonight, marking their second showdown this week.
Indiana secured a victory in their first meeting, but with the action now shifting to Milwaukee, the challenge could be tougher.
The Pacers head into this critical matchup at full strength, with both star guard Tyrese Haliburton and forward Pascal Siakam absent from the injury report.
According to Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star, backup guard T.J. McConnell is also available, meaning Indiana will have its full roster ready for this high-stakes contest.
On the other side, the Bucks are expected to have their two key players in action. While Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared on the injury report, both are listed as probable and should be on the floor.
Indiana and Milwaukee are currently deadlocked for the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference standings.
Though the Bucks technically hold the edge, this game could create some much-needed separation for either side.
In their last encounter, Haliburton delivered the game-winning shot, but his post-game celebrations may have added extra fuel to Milwaukee’s fire ahead of this rematch.
If the Pacers want to pull off another win, they’ll need to set the tone early and quiet the raucous Milwaukee crowd, which has a reputation for energizing the Bucks at home.
With potential playoff seeding on the line, this showdown carries significant weight. Expect a fierce battle as both teams fight for a crucial win in what could be one of the season’s most pivotal matchups.
