NBA Playoffs First-Round Game 2 Preview: Milwaukee Bucks (0-1) vs. Indiana Pacers (1-0)

The Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers are set to clash in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pacers hold a 1-0 series lead after a dominant 117-98 victory in Game 1.

Game Details

• Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM ET
• Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
• TV Broadcast: NBA TV, FanDuel Wisconsin
• Series Status: Pacers lead 1-0

Team Overview & Key Players

Indiana Pacers (No. 4 Seed, 50-32 Record)

The Pacers finished the regular season fourth in the Eastern Conference, securing home-court advantage for this series. They dominated Game 1, leading 67-43 at halftime and never looking back.

Key Players

• Tyrese Haliburton (PG) – Led the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio (5.61) this season.
• Pascal Siakam (PF) – Averaged 20.2 PPG but has been dealing with right elbow bursitis.
• Bennedict Mathurin (SG) – Scored 16.1 PPG in the regular season; making his playoff debut.
• Myles Turner (C) – Defensive anchor; recorded two blocks in Game 1.

Milwaukee Bucks (No. 5 Seed, 48-34 Record)

The Bucks had an up-and-down regular season, finishing fifth in the East. They struggled in Game 1, shooting just 12.5% from three-point range in the first half.

Key Players

• Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF) – Posted 36 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks in Game 1.
• Damian Lillard (PG) – Upgraded to questionable for Game 2 after recovering from deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Kyle Kuzma (SF) – Struggled in Game 1, failing to score a single point.
• Brook Lopez (C) – Key defensive presence; needs to step up offensively.

Game 1 Recap

Indiana dominated Milwaukee, winning 117-98 behind a strong first-half performance. The Bucks missed Lillard’s presence, as their offense lacked rhythm.

Game 2 Outlook & Predictions

• Pacers’ Strategy: Expect Indiana to push the pace, using Haliburton’s playmaking to exploit Milwaukee’s defense.
• Bucks’ Adjustments: Milwaukee must improve perimeter shooting and get more production from role players.
• X-Factor: Lillard’s potential return could shift the momentum in Milwaukee’s favor.

Game Odds

Milwaukee Bucks                            227.5

Indiana Pacers                                  – 4

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 21, 2025