Indiana Pacers (50-32) vs Milwaukee Bucks (48-34)
Game Info: Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 1:00 pm (Gainbridge Fieldhouse)
The Line: Betting Odds: Indiana Pacers -5.5 — Over/Under: 224
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
The Milwaukee Bucks didn’t have their best season, but the important thing is that they are coming into these playoffs with plenty of momentum, as they won their final eight games to finish with a 48-34 overall record. Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t have his healthiest season as he played just 67 games, but he still led the team with averages of 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. Damian Lillard played just 58 games with averages of 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game. Bobby Portis missed almost half the season but still averaged 13.9 points per game. Brook Lopez played 80 games and averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 blocks per game. As a team, the Bucks scored 115.5 points per game while shooting 48.6 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from the 3-point line.
Indiana Pacers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers had their issues earlier in the season, but they finished strong and were one of the hottest teams coming to the playoffs. They had reeled off 15 wins from their last 19 games to finish with an impressive 50-32 overall record. Pascal Siakam has led the team in scoring with averages of 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, Tyrese Haliburton averaged 18.6 points and 9.2 assists per game, Bennedict Mathurin averaged 16.1 points per game while Myles Turner averaged 15.6 points and 2.0 blocks per game. As a team, the Pacers scored 117.4 points per game while shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from the 3-point line.
Why the Indiana Pacers will win
- The Bucks have lost each of their last seven road games against Pacers teams that held a winning record.
- The Pacers have won each of their last seven home games after coming off overtime.
- The Bucks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games as underdogs after coming off overtime.
- The Pacers have covered the spread in each of their last four playoff games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Why the Milwaukee Bucks will win
- The Bucks have won each of their last four games as underdogs.
- The Pacers have lost each of their last four playoff games.
- The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents following a win.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in 10 of the Pacers’ last 11 games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
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
- Taurean Prince ranks 1st amongst qualified Forwards for 3P% (43.9%) this season.
- 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 missing Damian Lillard and Tyler Smith, while the Pacers are still missing Isaiah Jackson, but they are expecting to have Ben Sheppard back in the lineup. The Bucks are still shorthanded with Lillard still out, but they were able to reel off eight straight wins without him and are now up against a Pacers team they’ve beaten in three of four meetings during the regular season. I wouldn’t be shocked at all if the Bucks were able to kick things off with an upset on the road, but the Pacers are the team in better form. They are healthier, and I think they will be able to draw first blood in this spot.