Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Predictions, Odds, Bets & Stats First Round Game 2– 04/22/2025

On Tuesday, 04/22, the Indiana Pacers will host the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs’ First Round. The Pacers made light work of the Bucks through a 19-point win in Game 1. Will the Bucks get even after a big-time drubbing? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.

Where to Watch Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks

Time: 7:00 PM (ET)
Venue: Gaibridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass.

Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Match Preview

No chance for the Bucks?

Hear this. In Bucks’ Game 1 loss, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 36 points, the rest of the Bucks starters; 14 points. Tauren Prince and Kyle Kuzma didn’t even bother scoring column while Ryan Rollins (2/8 shooting) struggled too. This sums up the problem with the Bucks, but their bench looks better than the starters. Their second-highest scorer was AJ Green with 15 points. Meanwhile, Gary Trent Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. combined for 27 points, but their contributions mattered little due to the Pacers’ blitz.

Meanwhile, the Pacers’ depth was on full display. Tyrese Haliburton made none of his seven attempts from three-point range and scored just 10 points. But Pascal Siakam stepped up with a 25-point night. Andrew Nembhard combined for 36 points. Meanwhile, TJ McConnell and Benedit Mathurin added 24 points off the bench. Thus, the Pacers survived an off-night from their Floor Manager, whereas the Bucks couldn’t thrive despite their ace’s humungous offensive contributions.

The Bucks will need to do better from long range. They made 9 threes on 37 attempts, as the starters made just 1 out of 11 attempts from the deep. Coach Doc Rivers is in a pinch without his lead guard, Damian Lillard. He doesn’t have the roster to perform at a high level from deep in a playoff setting. Will the Bucks get swept? I doubt Antetokounmpo will allow that.

Pacers Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Tyrese Haliburton | SG: Andrew Nembhard | SF: Aaron Nesmith | PF: Pascal Siakam | C: Myles Turner

Key bench players: SG: Benedict Mathurin, PG: TJ McConnell, SF: Jarace Walker, PF: Obi Toppin

Injuries/Updates: Isaiah Jackson is OUT for the game.

Bucks Expected Starting Lineup

SG: Ryan Rollins | SG/SF: Taurean Prince | SF: Kyle Kuzma | PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo | C: Brook Lopez

Key bench players: SG: Gary Trent Jr., PG: Kevin Porter Jr., SG: AJ Green, PF: Bobby Portis

Injuries/Updates: Domain Lillard is OUT for the playoffs.

Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Total Over/Under Prediction

The first game produced just 215 points. The Pacers’ defense showed up big, and their offense could relax after a 67-43 advantage in the first half. Thus, the scoring could have been on the higher side for Indiana. At any rate, I think we will see the score exceeding the 220 mark this time around, with the Bucks scoring more than 105 at least, while the Pacers scoring at least 115.

Total: Over 227.5 for -115 at BetMGM
Pacers: Points Over 117,5 for +110 at BetMGM

Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Player Props Predictions- Projected Top Bets & Odds

Tyrese Haliburton to dish over 10.5 assists: Haliburton dished 12 assists in the previous game. His playmaking helped negate a poor 3/13 shooting night. I don’t know if his shot will be back, but I expect the PG to dish around 11 helpers.

Pascal Siakam to be held under 20.5 points: The Pacers forward led his team with 26 points on 10/15 shooting in Game 1. I believe he will be in the 15-19 range here, though.

Giannis Antetokounmpo to score over 32.5 points: The Greek Freak had a 36-point night and could easily have 40 if he nailed more of his free throws (8/15). I expect him to continue such big-time nights in the absence of a reliable second option.

Main pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo O 32.5 points for -120 at BetMGM

Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Match Prediction

The Bucks will be shattered after a poor performance in Game 1. Antetokounmpo was a one-man army in an unfortunate circumstance without his second-leading scorer, Lillard. Meanwhile, the Pacers have no shortage of offensive options. They made a Conference Finals run last season with the same core, which explains their confidence. I believe they will win again, but probably under 10 points, but more than 5 points.

Safe Spread Pick: Pacers -4.5 for +110 at BetMGM

Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Shubham Singh

nba

Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!