NBA Basketball
2012-04-19 - Milwaukee Bucks at Indiana Pacers
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Thursday 19 April 2012 - Tip Off 7pm ET
Midnight (British Standard Time)
Preview
The Milwaukee Bucks (29-32) blew a big game in Washington last night and that leaves them 2.5 games behind the Philadelphia 76ers in the race for the final Play Off place in the Eastern Conference. A meeting against a Divisional rival who can wrap up home field advantage in the First Round of the Play Offs is the last they need as they travel to face the Indiana Pacers (40-22).
With just five games left to play this season, the Bucks are already in the last chance saloon, although they still have to face Philadelphia at home during this time. However, the loss last night has really hampered their position and Scott Skiles has admitted that his side need to find a way to win this game.
Indiana are trying to get into the Play Offs with all the momentum and 10 wins from their last 11 games has given them that chance. They can wrap up the Number 3 seed in the East if they win this game and Atlanta lose one more.
The Pacers will look to Roy Hibbert to continue his hot form against the Bucks. The big man has averaged 16.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2 blocks in four straight wins against the Bucks.
Head to Head
Indiana have won the last 4 games in the series, including 2 this season at the Bradley Center, going 3-1 against the spread in those games.
The Pacers are just 1-3 against the Bucks at home, losing all 4 games against the spread.
The road team has performed very well in the recent series, going 9-1-1 against the spread.
Indiana are 14-15 against the spread at home this season, Milwaukee are 16-15 on the road.
Indiana are 17-22 against the spread as the favourite, Milwaukee are 13-17 as the underdog.
Other Interesting Trends
Milwaukee are 1-8 against the spread in their last 9 games against teams that have won at least 60% of their games.
Prediction
I am going to back the Indiana Pacers to cover the spread and stick another spanner in the Milwaukee Bucks Play Off hopes:
First, Milwaukee must have taken a real emotional blow yesterday when losing to the Washington Wizards and now play a team that will not want to lose momentum ahead of the Play Offs.
Second, the Bucks have been horrible when trying to avenge a home loss, going 2-10 against the spread in that position.
Third, the Bucks have also struggled against the better teams as they try to push into the Play Offs, going 1-6 against the spread against 0.500 teams in the second half of the season.
Fourth, this is a Divisional game so Indiana should be fully focused despite having little to play for in comparison to Milwaukee.
The Pick :
Indiana Pacers 104-96 Milwaukee Bucks
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Indiana Pacers - 5.5 Points @ 1.92
