Playing in the Central Division, the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers are all too familiar with each other. And on Saturday, this rivalry gets renewed in their first-round playoff series.
And on Thursday, the Bucks received some good news, with All-Star guard Damian Lillard progressing from his deep vein thrombosis diagnosis. Lillard has been ruled out for Game 1 Saturday, but is no longer taking blood thinner medication, which could set up his return to the court during the series. Lillard’s return would provide a massive boost to Milwaukee’s offense, and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has taken on a lot more responsibility in Lillard’s absence.
Both teams finished the regular season strong, with Milwaukee ending on an eight-game winning streak.
The Pacers, meanwhile, posted the NBA’s fourth-best record since Jan. 1, going 34-14. Indiana is led by point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who led the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio (5.61).
Here’s everything you need to know about the first-round series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers:
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers preview
How the Bucks will win: Milwaukee’s defense fell off a touch down the stretch. The Bucks will win if they can slow down the Pacers in transition and fluster Haliburton. A Lillard return would also go a long way.
How the Pacers will win: Indiana ranked 28th in rebounds per game (41.8). The Bucks, frankly, weren’t much better at 22nd (43.4), but if the Pacers yield too many opportunities on the glass for Milwaukee to get second-chance points, it could be an early exit; they must attack the boards.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers stat
No duo in the NBA combined to score more points than Antetokounmpo and Lillard, who combined for 55.3 points per game.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers players to watch
Kyle Kuzma, Bucks: In any games that Lillard may miss, Kuzma will need to be a reliable second option to score. Down the stretch, he was far too inconsistent, as his shot selection continues to be an issue.
Bennedict Mathurin, Pacers: After missing last season’s playoff run with a torn labrum, Mathurin will be making his playoff debut and is a spark off the bench. He averaged 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in 72 games this season.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers predictions
Lorenzo Reyes: Bucks in seven
Heather Tucker: Bucks in six
James Williams: Bucks in six
Jeff Zillgitt: Pacers in seven
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers schedule
Game 1: Bucks at Pacers | Saturday, April 19, 1 p.m. | ESPN
Game 2: Bucks at Pacers | Tuesday, April 22, 7 p.m. | ESPN
Game 3: Pacers at Bucks | Friday, April 25, 8 p.m. | ESPN
Game 4: Pacers at Bucks | Sunday, April 27, 9:30 p.m. | ESPN
Game 5: Bucks at Pacers | Tuesday, April 29, TBD | TBD *
Game 6: Pacers at Bucks | Friday, May 2, TBD | TBD *
Game 7: Bucks at Pacers | Sunday, May 4, TBD | TBD *
All times Eastern. *-if necessary
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers season series
The Bucks won the season series, taking three of the four meetings.
Nov. 22: Bucks 129, Pacers 117
Dec. 31: Bucks 120, Pacers 112
March 11: Pacers 115, Bucks 114
March 15: Bucks 126, Pacers 119