Event of the Day: Indiana Pacers versus Milwaukee Bucks
Our event of the day is the NBA fixture between the Indiana Pacers and the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse. This is a clash between two Eastern Conference powerhouses. The Pacers are riding a six-game win streak, making use of their potent, well-rounded roster. Meanwhile, the Bucks, who sit atop the conference, come into tonight’s game after a win against the Chicago Bulls. These are two teams who could feasibly face off in the Eastern Conference Finals so expect an unmissable match tonight. After losing the last four games of January, the Pacers have won their last six and are yet to lose in February. Despite losing star shooting guard Victor Oladipo to a season-ending injury, the Pacers have developed a potent three-man attack. There’s the point scorer, Bojan Bogdanović. Bogdanović has scored 135 points during the Pacers’ win streak and has 16.8 points per game on the season. Setting him up is Darren Collison. Collison has 39 assists during the win streak and 5.8 per game on the season. Finally there is the man at the rim, Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis has pulled down 53 rebounds in the last six games and averages 9.2 per game on the season. Beyond the Bucks and the Raptors, the Pacers may well be the strongest team in the Eastern conference.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee has been riding the man they know as the Greek Freak. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 27 points, 12.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game, leading the Bucks in all three categories. However, this reliance on the All-Star captain does leave Milwaukee vulnerable. Their recent 6-game win streak was snapped by the Orlando Magic in a game that Antetokounmpo missed. While he returned in style to help beat the Bulls on Monday night, scoring 29 points, he was far and way the best Bucks player on the court and was the only Buck to score over 20 points. Milwaukee holds a slim one-game lead at the top of the Eastern conference and will be eager to maintain that as the Raptors threaten them. The Bucks are a shoo-in for the playoffs but the question remains as to how far they will get with their one-man offense. The Pacers and Bucks have met twice this season, each taking a win. Both teams will come into tonight’s match looking to win, so be sure you don’t miss the action in Indianapolis in what should be a great game.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the UEFA Champions League, where Tottenham Hotspur host Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. This is one of the most anticipated matches of the round of 16, not because the teams are seen as favourites to win the competition but due to the level of entertainment this matchup provides. Both sides play aggressive offensive football and boast athletic talent that thrives when given space in midfield. Spurs come into this match on a three-game winning streak while Dortmund are yet to win in February, recording two draws and a loss. Despite this, they remain comfortably in first place in the Bundesliga. You will not want to miss this exciting match in London tonight. Elsewhere, the first ODI between New Zealand and Bangladesh takes place at McLean Park in Napier. In the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Edmonton Oilers at the PPG Paints Arena. In snooker, the Welsh Open continues in Cardiff. In ATP tennis, the New York Open continues at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by NBA