The Indiana Pacers host the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series. Indiana leads the series 1-0 after a 117-98 win on Saturday. The game is set to tip off at 7:00 PM ET.
Indiana finished the regular season 50-32, while Milwaukee ended at 48-34. This is their sixth meeting this season, with Indiana winning three of the last five. The Bucks are hoping for the return of Damian Lillard, who was listed as questionable after missing Game 1.
Pacers Preview – Home Cooking Has Paid Off
The Pacers have been strong at home, going 30-11 this season and 16-3 since the All-Star break. In Game 1, they shot 51.9% from the field and led by as many as 28 points. Pascal Siakam scored 25 points, while Myles Turner and Andrew Nembhard added 19 and 17 points, respectively.
Tyrese Haliburton had 10 points and 12 assists, controlling the pace and spreading the ball around. Aaron Nesmith chipped in with 7 points and 6 rebounds. Indiana also got key bench minutes from Obi Toppin and TJ McConnell, who helped keep the pressure on Milwaukee’s second unit.
Indiana’s defense shut down Milwaukee’s supporting cast in Game 1. The four Bucks starters outside of Giannis scored a combined 14 points on just 5-of-20 shooting. The Pacers also held Milwaukee to 24.3% from three-point range, a big drop from their regular season average of 38.7%.
Bucks Preview – Giannis Needs Help
Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 36 points and 12 rebounds, but got little help from the rest of the team. Bobby Portis was held out of the starting lineup and had limited impact off the bench. Brook Lopez added 9 points, but the rest of the starters combined for just 5 field goals.
Damian Lillard, who missed Game 1 due to calf reconditioning, could return for Game 2. He averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists in the regular season. Lillard has practiced and was active on the bench in Game 1, even receiving a technical foul during the game. His return would bring needed scoring and leadership.
The Bucks need to find offense beyond Giannis. Kyle Kuzma, who started at forward, went scoreless in 21 minutes. Milwaukee also needs better shooting from deep, after making only 9-of-37 threes in the opener. Defensively, they allowed Indiana to score 117 points while shooting over 50%, which must improve if they want to even the series.
Betting Prediction
Indiana is a -4.5 favorite with a total of 229. The Pacers have been dominant at home, and their balance on both ends showed in Game 1. Milwaukee’s path to winning relies on Lillard returning and the supporting cast stepping up.
Indiana should win again, but the Bucks are likely to adjust and play better. The line is tight, so Milwaukee could cover if Lillard plays and others contribute. The total could stay under if both teams tighten up on defense. Final score prediction: Indiana 111, Milwaukee 107.
Pick: Milwaukee Bucks +4.5 over the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of the first round series.
Enjoy the game and best of luck with all your NBA betting!
