The Milwaukee Bucks (0-1) and Indiana Pacers (1-0) will face off in Game 2 of their first round NBA Playoff series tonight. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The game will broadcast live on NBA TV.
The Pacers are 4.5-point favorites over the Bucks on the spread (Pacers -4.5), with the over/under set at 228.5 total points. Indiana is a -190 favorite to win outright, while Milwaukee is +155 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Bucks vs. Pacers predictions and NBA picks for Tuesday, April 22.
Bucks vs. Pacers Picks, Prediction for NBA Playoffs Game 2
Spread
With Damian Lillard unavailable, Milwaukee failed to reach the 100-point mark in its Game 1 loss to the Pacers. However, with Lillard expected to return in Game 2, the Bucks offer tremendous value in an underdog role, catching 4.5 points.
Moneyline
The moneyline is also worth considering, as Milwaukee will be extra motivated to avoid a 0-2 series deficit.
Over/Under
Lillard's potential return is likely impacting the total, which is up to 228.5 after opening at 226.5. However, with the under on a 10-6 run during the playoffs, I'm much more bearish on this market move.
My Pick: Bucks +4.5
Bucks vs. Pacers Betting Odds
| Bucks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -110 | 228.5 -115o / -105u | +155 |
| Pacers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -110 | 228.5 -115o / -105u | -190 |
- Bucks vs. Pacers spread: Pacers -4.5
- Bucks vs. Pacers over/under: 228.5 total points
- Bucks vs. Pacers moneyline: Bucks +155, Pacers -190
- Bucks vs. Pacers best bet:Bucks +4.5 (-110)
Bucks vs. Pacers Game 2 Preview
Indiana got the better of Milwaukee in the series opener despite losing three out of four games in this matchup during the regular season. Interestingly, the Pacers' lone regular-season victory occurred when Tyrese Haliburton gave his team the lead thanks to a four-point play with 3.4 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
If not for Haliburton's late-game heroics, the Bucks would've handed Indiana a four-game sweep.
In addition to playing in the same division, a budding rivalry has developed between the two teams following the Pacers' elimination of the Bucks in the first round of last year's playoffs.
Lillard, who was in street clothes and unavailable for Game 1, still managed to exchange verbal barbs with Haliburton during an official timeout.
Haliburton idolized Lillard growing up, which is why he chooses to wear No. 0 on the back of his jersey. However, if this is a case of the teacher vs. the pupil, it's difficult not to give a motivated Lillard the edge in this spot.
It's worth noting that the Bucks didn't have Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo on the court together for any of the six playoff games against the Pacers last season.
This game is less about the Xs-and-Os and more about the motivation of which team needs it more. Therefore, I expect Game 2 to reflect more of what we saw during the regular season, provided that Lillard is close to 100% in his return from a blood clot.
Bucks vs. Pacers Betting Predictions
The Bucks could've certainly benefited from a healthy Lillard in Game 1, as they were desperate for a perimeter threat, shooting just 9-of-37 (24.3%) from beyond the arc. Antetokounmpo attempted to pick up the slack by taking two 3-pointers, which proved unsuccessful.
Since Lillard's arrival, Antetokounmpo has been averaging fewer 3-pointers, and this season, his 0.9 attempts represent his lowest output over a 10-year period. He's also shooting 22.2% from beyond the arc, the second-worst mark of his career.
Antetokounmpo has a 3-point field goal prop of 0.5, a number he's failed to cover in 18 of his last 19 games vs. top-10 perimeter defenses. The Pacers fit this criteria defensively, and Antetokounmpo has also stayed under 0.5 3-pointers in nine of his last 10 games in this series.
As a result, this under still offers value despite being juiced to -160 at BetMGM. However, combining it with the Bucks at +4.5 would boost our odds to +230 on a same-game parlay.
Bucks vs. Pacers Game 2 Best Bet
- Bucks +4.5 (-110)
Bucks vs. Pacers Parlay Picks
- Bucks +4.5
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Under 0.5 3-Pointers Made
Parlay Payout: +230
Pacers vs. Bucks Betting Trends
