Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks: A Playoff Rematch

Pacers and Bucks Clash Again in NBA Playoffs: What to Expect in Game 1

For the second consecutive year, the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks are going head-to-head in the first round of the NBA playoffs. After last year’s thrilling series, which saw the Pacers eliminate the Bucks, this matchup is highly anticipated.

This year, the Pacers are entering as the higher seed, having finished the regular season with a record of 50-32, earning them the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. The first game of the series is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

Star Players to Watch

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks’ star, is looking to lead his team to its first playoff series win since 2022. During the regular season, he showcased an impressive performance, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. Despite missing last year’s playoff series against Indiana, Giannis is set to be a key player. However, the Bucks are hoping for the return of Damian Lillard, who has been sidelined with a blood clot in his calf. Reports indicate he may return for Game 2 or Game 3 of the series.

On the other side, the Pacers boast talented players like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Siakam was named an All-Star this year, averaging 20.2 points per game, while Haliburton shined after the All-Star break with an average of 20.6 points and 11 assists per game.

Schedule for the Series

All times are in Eastern Time:

  • Game 1: Saturday, April 19 | Bucks at Pacers | 1 p.m., ESPN
  • Game 2: Tuesday, April 22 | Bucks at Pacers | 7 p.m., NBA TV
  • Game 3: Friday, April 25 | Pacers at Bucks | 8 p.m., ESPNU/NBA TV
  • Game 4: Sunday, April 27 | Pacers at Bucks | 9:30 p.m., TNT
  • Game 5: Tuesday, April 29 | Bucks at Pacers | Time/TV TBD
  • Game 6: Friday, May 2 | Pacers at Bucks | Time/TV TBD
  • Game 7: Sunday, May 4 | Bucks at Pacers | Time/TV TBD

Betting Odds

According to Caesars, the odds for the series are as follows:

  • Series odds: Pacers -180, Bucks +150
  • Game 1 odds: Pacers -5.5, O/U: 224.5

CBS Sports will have updates and analysis throughout the Bucks-Pacers series.

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