In a highly anticipated matchup, the Indiana Pacers and the Milwaukee Bucks are set to face off in the semifinals of the NBA In-Season Tournament. The game, held in Las Vegas, has garnered significant attention due to the record-high total of 257 points, which is believed to be the highest in league history.

While the exact record may be uncertain, with historical records often imprecise and varying across sportsbooks, the total remains unprecedented in recent memory. Notably, over 70% of both the money and ticket bets are favoring the Over, indicating the widespread belief that this game will be a high-scoring affair.

The Pacers enter the game with a reputation for their fast-paced, offense-oriented playing style. Led by breakout superstar point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has been making waves with his exceptional performance so far, the team has been blitzing through the NBA. Haliburton recently achieved a milestone by recording the first triple-double of his NBA career, with an impressive performance of 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists in the quarterfinal upset against the Boston Celtics. His remarkable display of skill and poise included a crucial four-point play to secure the victory. Haliburton joins the elite company of NBA greats Nikola Jokic and Grant Hill as the only players aged 23 or younger to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and zero turnovers in a game.

With the opportunity to further cement his status as an MVP candidate, Haliburton will be a key player to watch in Thursday's game. The former Iowa State star has an over/under of 44.5 for combined points, rebounds, and assists, reflecting the expectations surrounding his performance.

Although Haliburton faces long odds in the regular-season MVP race (+2500), he is currently favored to win the MVP of the In-Season Tournament. At +425, he stands a strong chance of securing the prestigious title if the Pacers emerge as the victors. However, the Pacers themselves are considered longshots at +425 in the tournament, facing tough competition from rivals such as the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Pacers have been the frontrunners in several offensive categories this season. They top the league in possessions per game (107.8), offensive pace (104.1), offensive rating (123.6), and scoring (128.4 points per game). Their explosive offense has propelled them to score 140 or more points on four occasions, already breaking a franchise record, and tallying 130 or more points in nine games.

On the other hand, the Milwaukee Bucks, who enter the tournament as the favorites at +170, have displayed their offensive prowess with an impressive average of 122.3 points per game. In their quarterfinal victory against the New York Knicks, the Bucks showcased their scoring ability by putting up a season-high 146 points. Led by the dominant performance of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who contributed 35 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, the Bucks shot an outstanding 60.5% from beyond the arc and 60.4% overall.

Antetokounmpo, often referred to as the Greek Freak, has been a force to be reckoned with in the past 10 games, averaging 32.6 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. He will be a significant factor in the Bucks' pursuit of victory. Antetokounmpo's over/under for points, rebounds, and assists for the game is set at a substantial 51.5, reflecting his integral role in the team's offensive strategy.

This will be the second meeting between the Pacers and the Bucks this season, with the Pacers edging out a narrow 126-124 victory in their previous encounter on November 9. Despite Antetokounmpo's remarkable 54-point performance in that game, Haliburton's clutch 3-pointer sealed the win for the Pacers, resulting in a heartbreaking loss for the Bucks.

As the stage is set for a thrilling offensive showdown, both teams have high scoring expectations placed upon them. The Bucks' team total for Thursday's game is set at 130.5, while the Pacers' expectation is slightly lower at 126.5.

Basketball fans and bettors alike eagerly anticipate the outcome of this high-stakes semifinal matchup. The clash between the high-octane offenses of the Pacers and the Bucks promises to be a spectacle showcasing the best of NBA basketball, as both teams aim to secure a spot in the In-Season Tournament final.