On Tuesday, 04/27, the Milwaukee Bucks will host the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs’ First Round. The Bucks roared in Game 3 through a 16-point win to close the gap to 1-2 in the best-of-seven series. Can the Bucks level the series against a fierce opponent? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Resurgence or a one-off
The Bucks thumped the Pacers by 16 points in Game 3 in what was an incredible second-half comeback. The Pacers built a first-half 10-point lead. However, Milwaukee compiled a 39-18 advantage in the third quarter, which put the game in their grasp. The team extended their advantage by a 5-point lead in the final quarter.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had another big night with 37 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. But the biggest difference-maker was Gary Trent Jr. The guard started for the first time in the series with 37 points, nailing 9 three-pointers.
Pascal Siakam led the way for the Indiana Pacers with 28 points. Tyrese Haliburton nailed four triples en route to a 14-point and 10-assist performance. Aaron Nesmith scored 18 points, nailing four triples. So, there were some strong performances throughout the game.
But what does this win indicate? Antetokounmpo is carrying the load all by himself, which has kept them afloat. However, Gary Trent’s performance has rekindled their hopes of giving the fight back. Meanwhile, Damian Lillard is still struggling with blood clots and shot 2/12 in Game 4. So overall, Milwaukee can mount a comeback after an early beating.
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: Nothing significant to report.
The first game accounted for 215 points. The second game produced 241 points, but back to 218 in Game 3. The overall scoring is above average compared to other series. The Pacers have put up 115+ in two of the three games.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee has scored in a similar range during the last two games. I think both teams will be in great rhythm during Game 4, and it can be a high-scoring game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo to score over 33.5 points: The Bucks forward has put up 35.7 points per game in the first three games of the series. I expect The Greek Freak to score 35+ points.
Tyrese Haliburton to dish over 11.5 assists: The Pacers guard has dished 11.3 assists per game in the first round of the playoffs. I expect him to be in the 12-14 assists range here.
Aaron Newsmith to score over 14.5 points: The Pacers forward scored 18 points in Game 3, after scoring 16 points in Game 2. I believe he will be in the 15-18 points range here.
Main pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo O 32.5 points for -120 at BetMGM
Milwaukee has recovered its form in Game 3, thanks to Gary Trent’s unexpected explosion. The Pacers can mount a strong attack too, but will need to rediscover their mojo away from home against a much confident opponent.
Thus, Game 4 is a litmus test for both teams. However, I believe Milwaukee will come on top in this crucial battle on the back of Antetokounmpo’s heroics.
Safe Spread Pick: Pacers -3.5 for -125 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
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!
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