Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction & Preview - April 21, 2024 | Game 1, 2024 NBA Playoffs

The Milwaukee Bucks host the Indiana Pacers at the Fiserv Forum on Sunday (Apr. 21) for Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Both teams have had quite a history this season, with the Pacers dominating Milwaukee in the regular stretch.

They won four of the five matchups between the two this season and will look to have the same outcome in the playoff series that might see the Bucks without superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks have officially listed the two-time NBA MVP as doubtful ahead of the game as he continues to recover from a left soleus (calf) muscle strain that he suffered against the Boston Celtics on April 9. In addition, the team will also be playing with Damian Lillard, who isn't at 100% ahead of the marquee clash. The situation and history are ideal for Indiana to get off to a winning start, should Milwaukee say otherwise.

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Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks betting tips, preview, starting lineups, and prediction

The Pacers vs. Bucks game is slated to tip off at 7 p.m. ET. The contest will be televised live on TNT. Here's a quick look at the odds ahead of the all-important postseason battle.

Spread: Pacers -1.5, Bucks +1.5

Moneyline: Pacers -120, Bucks +101

Total (o/u): Pacers o231.5 (-111), Bucks u231.5 (-109)

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Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks preview

Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence is a big blow for the Bucks as it costs them a forward who can make an impact against the quick Pacers' style of play. He has also been a solid defensive presence for Milwaukee this season and without him on the floor, the team has been outscored by 23.2 points for every 100 possessions.

The one aspect of the game that Indiana has suffered is on the defensive end. While they have pesky defenders and Myles Turner, they are still 24th in defensive rating and are guilty of giving their opponents ample room to snipe from the midrange.

They are up against a side that has the likes of Patrick Beverley and Jae Crowder, who will try to slow down their offense. The one way the Bucks can hold on to a win is if they slow down a potent Indiana offense, and hope that Lillard fires his way to a win.

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Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks starting lineups, rotations, and substitutions

Milwaukee will field the same unit they did in their last few games of the regular season. Damian Lillard at PG, Malik Beasley at SG, Khris Middleton at SF, Bobby Portis Jr. at PF, and Brook Lopez at C. They have rotation options with Jae Crowder, Patrick Beverley, Pat Connaughton, and MarJon Beauchamp to be the secondary unit.

The Pacers will be without Benedict Mathurin for the rest of their run. They will go with Tyrese Haliburton at PG, Andrew Nembhard at SG, Pascal Siakam at SF, Aaron Nesmith at PF, and Myles Turner at C. Indiana's bench boasts versatility as they have Jalen Smith, Ben Sheppard, Obi Toppin, Doug McDermott, and TJ McConnell coming in as role players.

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Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks betting tips

Clutch phenom Damian Lillard is a profitable bet as he heads into this contest with an o/u of 28.5/29.5 on points. Pascal Siakam is the other player in the spotlight with an o/u of 22.5 points. Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton are picks to record TD3.

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Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks prediction

Indiana is a more clinical unit on paper and the Bucks sans Antetokounmpo are exposed on the offensive end. They will have a tough time trying to slow the Pacers down and that makes the latter favorites. Chalk up a win for Indiana on Sunday.