Pacers Look to Even Series Against Bucks in Game 2 of NBA Playoffs

The Indiana Pacers will face the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of their first-round Eastern Conference series in the 2024 NBA Playoffs on Tuesday, April 23rd at Fiserv Forum. The Bucks lead the series 1-0 after winning Game 1 by a score of 109-94, despite being without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is listed as doubtful for Game 2 due to a calf injury.

In Game 1, Damian Lillard had a franchise-record 35 points in the first half for the Bucks, leading them to victory. The Pacers struggled, shooting just 8-for-38 (21%) from 3-point range, and Tyrese Haliburton had only 9 points. Pascal Siakam was a bright spot for Indiana, finishing with an efficient 36 points and 13 rebounds.

Despite the Bucks' win, the Pacers have a good chance to even the series, as they were 4-2 against the Bucks in the regular season and won twice at Fiserv Forum. According to data-driven simulations by Dimers, the Bucks are more likely to win Game 2, with a 56% chance of victory. The Pacers and Bucks each have a 50% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under of 221.5 points has a 52% chance of staying under.

Why this matters: The outcome of this game could have significant implications for the rest of the series. If the Pacers can steal a win on the road without Antetokounmpo playing, it would put immense pressure on the Bucks heading back to Indiana. However, if Milwaukee takes a 2-0 lead, it could be difficult for the Pacers to overcome, even with the series shifting to their home court.

The SportsLine Projection Model, which has been successful in its NBA picks, has simulated the game 10,000 times and is leaning towards the over on the point total. The model also says that one side of the spread hits in well over 50% of the simulations. Fans are encouraged to join SportsLine to find out which side of the spread the model is recommending.

Game 2 between the Pacers and Bucks is set to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday. The Bucks are 1.5-point favorites, and the over/under is set at 223.5 points. With Antetokounmpo likely out again, the Pacers will look to capitalize and even the series before heading back to Indiana. "We know what to expect now," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said about the playoff atmosphere. "This game is expected to be a close, hard-fought affair."

Key Takeaways

• Pacers face Bucks in Game 2 of 1st-round playoff series, Bucks lead 1-0 without Giannis.
• Lillard had 35 points in 1st half for Bucks in Game 1, Pacers struggled shooting 3s.
• Simulations give Bucks 56% chance to win Game 2, Pacers and Bucks each 50% to cover spread.
• Outcome of Game 2 could have significant implications for rest of series.
• SportsLine model leans towards over on point total, one side of spread hits in over 50% of simulations.