Myles Turner will make his first visit to Gainbridge Fieldhouse as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks when they face the Indiana Pacers on Monday. Turner acknowledged the mixed emotions ahead, anticipating both cheers and boos from fans.
“I don’t know what to expect,” Turner, according to ESPN’s Jamal Collier. “There’s going to be some cheers. There’s going to be some boos. It kind of just is what it is. For me personally, the biggest thing is obviously winning the basketball game, that’s paramount.”
Turner spent his entire career with Indiana before signing a four-year, $107 million deal with Milwaukee. He described the departure as a business decision and expressed respect for former teammates and staff.
The Bucks enter the matchup with a 4-2 record, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who averages 34.2 points and 13.4 rebounds per game. Ryan Rollins provides secondary scoring with 18.2 points per contest, while Kyle Kuzma and Cole Anthony add depth. Turner contributes 9.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.
Milwaukee faces lineup challenges, with Alex Antetokounmpo and Pete Nance on G League assignments and Kevin Porter Jr. sidelined with a right knee meniscus tear. Giannis is listed as probable with left knee patellar tendinopathy.
Indiana has struggled through injuries, missing Tyrese Haliburton, Kam Jones, Bennedict Mathurin, T.J. McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, and Obi Toppin. RayJ Dennis is questionable, and Johnny Furphy is probable. Despite absences, Pascal Siakam leads the team with 25 points and 9 rebounds per game, while Aaron Nesmith averages 14.3 points.
The Pacers aim to build on their 114–109 victory over Golden State on November 1, showing resilience even with a depleted roster. Indiana is 1-5 this season, while Milwaukee is seeking to bounce back after a 133–135 loss to Sacramento.
Turner emphasized the importance of competition over sentiment. “Still got some great people in the organization that I rock with. Obviously old teammates, it’s going to be a blend of emotions, for sure,” he said.
The Bucks’ strategy focuses on ball movement, averaging 27.2 assists per game. Turner’s return to Indiana adds another layer to the matchup, with fans likely reacting strongly to the center’s first game against his former team.
Monday’s game tips off at 7:00 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where Turner’s experience and Milwaukee’s star power will be tested against a resilient Pacers squad.
