Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers Game 1 Preview, Prediction & Odds | April 19, 2025

The NBA Playoffs kick off with an Eastern Conference contest between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers.  For the series’ first game, Milwaukee will be on the road and without Damian Lillard.  Indiana has played well lately, winning seven of their last eight games. The Bucks won the season series 3-1, but coming into the playoffs, there are many questions for this squad. This series is laced with rivalry storylines and intensity, and Milwaukee could make an unquestionable statement for the rest of this series if they can find a way to win game 1 on the road. 

The Pacers hold home home-court advantage in this series, which should otherwise be a close one on paper. Last year, the Pacers leaned on their star point guard, Tyrese Haliburton, and ended up finishing the season with an appearance in the conference finals. The Pacers also defeated the Bucks last season on their way to the conference finals. Giannis went down with an injury in this series, but nonetheless the Pacers are back, and they also have the healthier roster. This has all the makings of a seven-game series, but in game 1, can the Pacers hold the advantage in the series and win on their home court?

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers Odds

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers Match Details

• Fixture: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers
• Date and Time: Saturday, April 19 at 1:00 pm ET
• Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse at Indianapolis, IN

Bucks Receive Update on Damian Lillard Injury

While it is true that this is a very similar Indiana team to the team that knocked the Milwaukee Bucks out of the playoffs in the first round last season, this is not the same Bucks team as last year at all. The biggest concern is obviously getting Damian Lillard back into the lineup. However players like Patrick Beverly and others who were associated with the Bucks playoff flop from last year are gone.

Milwaukee got a positive update on Lillard this week, saying that the blood thinners are helping with the blood clots in his right calf. Lillard has been cleared to return to training this week and may be able to return during this series, but not for this game. Kevin Porter Jr. has been much needed support for Giannis and the Bucks since returning from his 25-game league suspension. The Bucks are still probably at their most venerable that they will be all series in this road game and I would be surprised and impressed if they won.

Indiana Head Coach Knows This Is A Must Win

Indiana has a consistent roster full of high charged offensive options. They play a fast paced style of ball staring point guard Tyrese Halliburton and sent the Milwaukee Bucks home in the first round of the playoffs last year. Pascal Siakam has anchored down the defense and with the absence of Damian Lillard they hope to take advantage of mismatches on Haliburton and pick up the win at home.

Defeating Giannis Antetokounmpo in a seven game series will be no small feat but oddsmakers have them favorited in this game for number of clear reasons. Both teams have been playing well as of late but Indiana has only lost 3 games at home sine the All-Star break. Head coach Rick Carlisle spoke to the media about keeping their guard up and seems to understand the importance of getting this first game of the series and holding home court. On the Vegas spreadsheets the oddsmakers are practically begging betters not to bet against the Pacers in this one.

Final Pick

Indiana Pacers ML & Over 225 (+170)