Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers Prediction 4/22/25 NBA Picks

Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview

The Milwaukee Bucks will be going back to the drawing board after getting smashed by the Pacers in a disappointing 117-98 road defeat in Game 1 on Saturday. Giannis Antetokounmpo came ready to play as he led the team with 36 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks on 14 of 23 shooting. Kevin Porter Jr added 15 points off the bench while Gary Trent Jr chipped in with 14 points, but they just didn't get enough from their starters as Taurean Prince and Kyle Kuzma both finished scoreless. As a team, the Bucks shot just 41 percent from the field and nine of 37 from the 3-point line as they got off to a poor start. They were always fighting an uphill battle, after scoring just 18 points in the second quarter to trail by as many as 28 points early. 

Indiana Pacers Betting Preview 

Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers were heading into the playoffs with plenty of momentum, and they must be brimming with confidence after blowing past the Bucks in Game 1. Pascal Siakam led the team with 25 points on 10 of 15 shooting, Myles Turner added 19 points with four blocks, Andrew Nembhard scored 17 points while Tyrese Haliburton steered the offense with 10 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists. As a team, the Pacers shot 51 percent from the field and 13 of 34 from the 3-point line as they jumped all over the Bucks from the start and dominated the first half by 67-43, before they held off a third quarter push.

Why the Indiana Pacers will win

• The Bucks have lost each of their last eight games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against Pacers teams that held a winning record.
• The Pacers have won each of their last six night games against the Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
• The Pacers have covered the spread in seven of their last eight playoff games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
• The Bucks have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight road games against Pacers teams that held a winning record.

Why the Milwaukee Bucks will win

• The Bucks have won four of their last five games as underdogs.
• The Pacers have lost Game 2 in each of their last four playoff series' when leading the series 1-0.
• The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in 11 of their last 12 games against Eastern Conference opponents following a win.
• The Bucks have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games as underdogs.

Indiana Pacers Player Facts

• T.J. McConnell ranks 6th amongst qualified players for assists per 36 minutes (8.9) this season.
• Bennedict Mathurin ranks T9th in the league for fast break points (277) this season.

Milwaukee Bucks Player Facts

• Brook Lopez ranks 4th amongst qualified players for Blocks Per Game (1.9) this season.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers Prediction

The Bucks are still keeping an eye on Damian Lillard, who is questionable for this one, while the Pacers are still missing Isaiah Jackson. The Bucks will be hoping for a better effort in this one, as they really didn't help Antetokounmpo at all in a disappointing performance in the series opener. As dominant as the Pacers looked on Saturday, you have to expect a closer contest in this one. With that being said, the line is still so short that I am sticking with the Pacers to go up 2-0 in the series heading to Milwaukee.