Game Preview: Indiana Pacers @ Milwaukee Bucks

Indiana (37-22, won last three) @ Milwaukee (29-30, won last one )

Key Stats

Milwaukee

* 99.3 points per game

* 45% FG

* 41.9  rpg

*23.9  apg

Mar 22, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Monta Ellis (11) drives for the basket as Boston Celtics forward Brandon Bass (30) defends during the third quarter at the Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Indiana

* 96.9  ppg

* 44%  FG

* 43.3 rppg

* 18.4  appg

Position-by-position Matchups

PG-George Hill vs. Brandon Jennings

SG-Paul George vs. Monta Ellis

SF-Danny Granger vs. Carlos Delfino

PF-David West vs. Ersan Ilyasova

C-Roy Hibbert vs. Drew Gooden

Key Reserves

Washington-Epke Udoh, Beno Udrih, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Luc Richard Mbah a Moute

Indiana-Tyler Hansbrough, A.J. Price, Dahntay Jones, George Hill, Leandro Barbosa

Injuries of note

Milwaukee-None

Indiana- Darren Collison

Breakdown:

The Pacers clinched a playoff berth last night, and now can focus on keeping that third spot in the Eastern Conference.  The Bucks want to make a move to get into the playoffs, so they have a lot more to play for tonight.  Last time out for these teams, the Pacers put up their highest point total of the season with 125 and won easily,  which I could see happening again.  The Pacers were able to turn things around last night at home against Cleveland, and should be able to keep this momentum going towards the playoffs.

But with the Bucks wanting to make the playoffs, they can add an intensity to this game and come out aggressive, which the Pacers will have to combat.  The Bucks could look for an upset of one of the top teams in the East, so they can make their own playoff push.

Prediction:  Pacers 105  Bucks 97