The Milwaukee Bucks (48-34) and Indiana Pacers (50-32) will meet for Game 1 of their first round NBA Playoff series this afternoon. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The game will broadcast live on ESPN.
The Pacers are 6-point favorites over the Bucks on the spread (Pacers -6), with the over/under set at 224.5 total points. Indiana is a -225 favorite to win outright, while Milwaukee is +185 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Bucks vs. Pacers Game 1 predictions and NBA picks for Saturday April 19.
Bucks vs. Pacers Picks, Prediction
My Pacers vs. Bucks best bet is on Milwaukee moneyline, with the best line currently available at BetMGM. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
My Pick: Bucks Moneyline (+185)
Bucks vs. Pacers Odds
| Bucks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6 -110 | 224.5 -110o / -110u | +185 |
| Pacers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6 -110 | 224.5 -110o / -110u | -225 |
- Bucks vs. Pacers spread: Pacers -6
- Bucks vs. Pacers over/under: 224.5 total points
- Bucks vs. Pacers moneyline: Bucks +185, Pacers -225
- Bucks vs. Pacers best bet:Bucks Moneyline (+185)
Bucks vs. Pacers Game 1 Preview
Indiana matched up perfectly with the Bucks last season. Even if Giannis Antetokounmpo hadn’t been hurt for their first round series, I liked Indiana to advance past them, that’s how bad the matchup is.
However, the matchup is different this year. The Bucks defense is a lot better and the Pacers’ offense is a little worse.
On the flip side, the Pacers’ defense is a little better and the Bucks offense is about the same, but they’ve really found something in recent weeks with Giannis surrounded by four shooters including one big.
Bobby Portis has been night-and-day from his early season struggles, and Kevin Porter Jr (who should not be in the NBA) has given them great minutes on both ends. Gary Trent Jr. is a having a great season defensively, and Giannis, well he’s Giannis.
Bucks vs. Pacers Betting Predictions
The Pacers don’t shoot threes and don’t want opposing teams to take them either. Their script is to make it a 2-point contest and beat you with volume and passing. But Milwaukee can match them with that and actually generate enough three-point looks because of Giannis’ gravity.
I like the Bucks to upset the Pacers in this series, starting with Game 1 in Indiana. Since 2013, underdogs in the first round who cover the spread have also won outright 66% of the time.
Of those teams, the average margin of victory was 8.9 points, putting value on the Bucks moneyline at +185, as well as an alternate spread of -3.5 at +250.
Bucks vs. Pacers Best Bets
- Bucks Moneyline (+185)
- Bucks Alternate Spread -3.5 (+250)
Pacers vs. Bucks Betting Trends
