Milwaukee Bucks vs Pacers Timeline
Few rivalries in the NBA’s Central Division generate the level of excitement and unpredictability as the one between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers. While neither team might be considered a perennial dynasty like the Lakers or Celtics, this rivalry brings its own flavor of passion, physical matchups, and competitive history.
Spanning over four decades, the Milwaukee Bucks vs Pacers timeline is more than just a series of regular-season meetings, it’s a continuous battle shaped by playoff clashes, iconic players, and changing eras in basketball.
From the early days post the ABA-NBA merger to the high-stakes games of the 2020s, fans have witnessed momentum swings, game-winning performances, and historic statistics. The 2025–26 season adds a new chapter to this saga, with both teams in a transitional phase but still fighting to define their place in the Eastern Conference.
How Has the 2025–26 NBA Season Affected the Rivalry?
The current NBA season has been a test of depth and direction for both Milwaukee and Indiana. With roster changes, new player roles, and fluctuating team dynamics, the 2025–26 season has seen the two rivals take different paths.
Milwaukee has been inconsistent but still holds a better record compared to Indiana. The Bucks currently sit at 10-15, with a .400 win percentage. They have managed to stay competitive at home with a balanced 7-7 record but have struggled on the road at 3-8.
Meanwhile, Indiana finds itself in a rebuilding situation with a 5-18 record and a win percentage of just .217. Most of their struggles stem from poor road performances, where they’ve won only one out of eleven games.
The table below offers a comparative snapshot of the 2025-26 season so far:
| Team | W-L | Win % | Home | Road | Points Per Game | Opponent PPG | Current Streak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Bucks | 10-15 | .400 | 7-7 | 3-8 | 115.1 | 118.0 | Lost 2 |
| Indiana Pacers | 5-18 | .217 | 4-8 | 1-10 | 111.0 | 119.4 | Won 1 |
Although Milwaukee is ahead, both teams have work to do to break out of their mid-season slumps and secure a playoff position.
Which Players Are Leading Their Teams This Season?
The 2025–26 season has revealed new leadership on both sides of this rivalry. While Giannis Antetokounmpo remains Milwaukee’s most efficient player, it’s Ryan Rollins who is statistically leading in points and assists. He’s proving to be a valuable asset for the Bucks as they adjust their game around newer roles.
For Indiana, Pascal Siakam has emerged as the centerpiece of their offense and is also contributing heavily across multiple stat categories. He leads the team in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals. His veteran presence and experience have been crucial for a young team in need of direction.
Here’s a breakdown of each team’s statistical leaders:
| Stat Category | Indiana Pacers | Milwaukee Bucks |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | Pascal Siakam - 24.5 | Ryan Rollins - 17.5 |
| Rebounds | Pascal Siakam - 7.1 | Myles Turner - 5.7 |
| Assists | Pascal Siakam - 4.1 | Ryan Rollins - 6.0 |
| Steals | Pascal Siakam - 1.23 | Ryan Rollins - 1.64 |
| Blocks | Jay Huff - 2.39 | Myles Turner - 1.64 |
| Field Goal % | Pascal Siakam- 48.16% | Giannis - 63.95% |
| 3-Point FG % | Bennedict Mathurin - 42.86% | AJ Green - 48.47% |
| Free Throw % | Andrew Nembhard - 85.14% | Ryan Rollins - 78.18% |
The Bucks appear to have better shooting efficiency, particularly from deep, while Indiana is relying on individual brilliance from Siakam.
How Have the Recent Head-to-Head Games Played Out?
The Bucks and Pacers have already faced off once this season, with Milwaukee narrowly defeating Indiana 117–115 on November 3rd. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 33 points, while Pascal Siakam put up a strong 32-point effort in a losing cause.
Several matchups are still ahead in the current season, giving fans plenty of opportunities to witness this evolving battle.
Upcoming 2025–26 Matchups
- December 23: Milwaukee at Indiana – 7:30 PM ET
- February 6: Indiana at Milwaukee – 8:00 PM ET
- March 15: Indiana at Milwaukee – 3:30 PM ET
These games are expected to play a major role in shaping the final standings, especially if either team makes a late playoff push.
What Do the All-Time Stats Say About This Rivalry?
Dating back to their first matchup in the 1976–77 season, the Bucks and Pacers have met over 216 times in the regular season. Milwaukee holds the advantage with 119 wins compared to Indiana’s 97. Despite this, the teams have maintained a competitive spirit with close games and similar point averages per game.
All-Time Regular Season Summary (1976–2026)
| Team | Wins | Losses | Points Per Game | Points Allowed | Playoff Series Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Bucks | 119 | 97 | 105.4 | 104.1 | 1 |
| Indiana Pacers | 97 | 119 | 104.0 | 105.4 | 1 |
In playoff meetings, they’ve only faced each other once, during the 2000 Eastern Conference First Round, where Indiana won the series 3-2. That was a high-pressure five-game series, and it remains one of the most intense moments in the rivalry’s history.
How Do Their Franchise Legacies Compare?
Milwaukee and Indiana are two franchises with vastly different histories. The Bucks have achieved NBA glory, winning championships in 1971 and 2021, and making multiple Finals appearances. Indiana, on the other hand, boasts three ABA titles but is still chasing its first NBA championship.
Franchise Legacy Comparison
| Category | Milwaukee Bucks | Indiana Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| NBA Championships | 2 | 0 (3 ABA titles) |
| NBA Finals Appearances | 3 | 1 |
| Playoff Appearances | 38 | 37 |
| Notable Legends | Kareem, Giannis, Ray Allen | Reggie Miller, Siakam, Haliburton |
Despite their different accolades, both teams have consistently contributed talent to the league and remained relevant in the playoff conversation across multiple decades.
What Do the Analytics and Advanced Stats Reveal?
Advanced statistics provide another layer of understanding to the Bucks vs Pacers timeline. In terms of field goal percentage, both teams are very close historically, but Milwaukee edges out Indiana slightly.
| Metric | Milwaukee (1976–2026) | Indiana (1976–2026) |
|---|---|---|
| FG% | 46.8% | 46.6% |
| 3PT% | 35.5% | 35.5% |
| Free Throw % | 76.3% | 76.1% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 42.8 | 43.0 |
| Assists Per Game | 24.0 | 24.4 |
| Points Per Game | 105.4 | 104.0 |
These numbers show that the rivalry is more balanced than win-loss records might suggest. Offensively, both teams have shown similar output, with slight differences in shooting efficiency and playmaking.
What’s Next for the Bucks and Pacers?
With the season still ongoing, both teams have the opportunity to change their narrative. The Bucks may rely on their experienced core and sharp shooters to make a playoff push. Meanwhile, the Pacers are investing in their younger talent, hoping to build around Siakam and rising stars like Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard.
The upcoming games will not only be decisive for the season standings but will also add new moments to the ever-growing rivalry timeline. If current trends hold, the Pacers may struggle, but history has shown that in rivalry games, the outcome is never certain.
What Keeps the Bucks vs Pacers Rivalry So Compelling?
At the heart of this rivalry is a mix of competitive games, passionate fan bases, and an ongoing battle for Central Division dominance. While the teams haven’t faced each other frequently in the playoffs, the intensity of their regular-season meetings keeps the fire alive.
Each season brings new players and evolving strategies, yet the core tension remains: two franchises determined to outdo one another on every level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is currently winning the all-time series between the Bucks and Pacers?
The Milwaukee Bucks lead the all-time regular season series 119–97.
When did the Bucks and Pacers first play each other?
They first met in the 1976-77 season after the ABA-NBA merger.
How many times have they met in the playoffs?
Just once in 2000. where the Pacers won a close 3–2 first-round series.
Who are the standout players in 2025–26?
Pascal Siakam is dominating for Indiana, while Giannis and Ryan Rollins are key for Milwaukee.
What is the current status of their rivalry this season?
Milwaukee holds the advantage, but both teams have struggled overall in the 2025-26 season.
Are there more games left between them this season?
Yes, they’ll face off three more times: Dec 23, Feb 6, and Mar 15.
How do their stats compare over the years?
They are closely matched in FG%, 3PT%, assists, and rebounds making most games highly competitive.
