The NBA postseason has begun and the first-round games are underway! This Eastern Conference playoff clash features a matchup between the #6 Indiana Pacers and the #3 Milwaukee Bucks. Devastating injuries have the Bucks on the ropes. They need a win at home here to stay alive.
Before Betting on Pacers vs Bucks
The Pacers took a 3-1 lead in this first-round series following an excellent Game 4 victory. After scoring just 94 points in their Game 1 defeat, Indiana’s best-in-the-NBA offense is back on track. An average of 124 points per game has been scored by the Pacers in their three consecutive wins since that opening loss.
Six players scored 13 points or more for Indiana in Game 4, showcasing the depth of their offensive talent. C Myles Turner led the way, racking up 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. Star PG Tyrese Haliburton also had a key impact, talling 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists of his own. As a team, the Pacers shot 51.7% from the field and 51.2% from deep.
Milwuakee has had a disasterous past month. After losing 2021 Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to a calf injury, they’ve now also lost Damien Lillard, who suffered an achilles injury in Game 3. The Bucks played all four games of this series so far without Giannis, and the most recent one without Dame. Both are almost certain to miss Game 5 as the Bucks face elimination.
Without Giannis and Dame, and with a hobbled Khris Middleton, Milwaukee is in dire straights. They’ve essentially lost their top three scorers in a series against the NBA’s #1 offense. It’s not impossible for the Bucks to stage a comeback, but someone would need to step up and fill a tremendous hole in the offense. It’s pretty unlikely to happen.
Pacers vs Bucks Offshore Odds
With Milwaukee banged up beyond belief, this series may be all but wrapped up. It’s foolish to write off any professional team too early, but a 3-1 comeback without Giannis and Dame is just such a massive long shot. The Bucks do have the advantage of playing two of the series’ remaining three games at home. They need to start by winning Game 5, but I wouldn’t hold your breath.
