Bucks vs. Pacers: Preview and Game Thread

The Pacers host the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks on Monday in a game which has both teams trying to fill injury gaps.

Of course, the Pacers remain without Caris LeVert and TJ Warren which is a situation the team is used to dealing with and one Rick Carlisle is getting used to working around after three tightly contested games to open the season.

The Bucks will be without center Brooks Lopez and guard Jrue Holiday listed which leaves the Bucks without two starters, as well. Bobby Portis is a key front court player for Milwaukee, particularly without Lopez in the lineup, but he has yet to play due to a bad left hammy and is not expected to play against the Pacers.

So while the Pacers will roll with their double big lineup, the Bucks will counter with Giannis Antetokounmpo at center along with four wing players. The good news is, the Pacers seemed to have found a good option if the two bigs aren’t able to create an advantage. Oshae Bissett slid into the power forward slot against a similarly sized Miami squad to help bring home a dub on Saturday night.

The big difference, of course, is Giannis. His game appeared to peak in the Finals last season but now seems headed to greater heights with that ring in his pocket.

When: 7:00 p.m. ET

When: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

TV: Bally Sports Indiana

Radio: 93.5 FM/107.5 FM

Projected Starting Lineups:

Pacers: Malcolm Brogdon, Chris Duarte, Justin Holiday, Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner

Bucks: George Hill, Grayson Allen, Pat Connaughton, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo

Injury update:

IND: Caris LeVert – out (sore back), Kelan Martin - out (sore left hamstring), T.J. Warren – out (left foot stress fracture)

MIL: Bobby Portis - out (left hamstring strain), Jrue Holiday - out (left ankle sprain), Donte DiVincenzo - out (left ankle injury recovery), Brook Lopez - out (back soreness), Semi Ojeleye - out (left calf strain)

Please leave your thoughts and observations on the game in the comments.