Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 28/04/2024, 06:15  by Devesh Jaganath in NBA Predictions

The Indiana Pacers play host to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Playoffs Game 4 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday night. The Pacers lead the series 2-1. 

With a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven first-round series, the sixth-seeded Pacers have the opportunity to maintain home-court advantage and put the third-seeded Bucks in a challenging position with a victory on Sunday in Indianapolis. Despite their initial loss in Game 1, the Indiana Pacers regained their winning form in the subsequent two games to seize the series lead. Notably, the Pacers had a successful regular-season record against the Bucks, winning four out of five matchups despite being considered underdogs each time. In a thrilling Game 3, the Pacers emerged victorious with a hard-fought 121-118 overtime win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Despite relinquishing a 19-point lead, the Pacers managed to hold on for the win in a match of intense back-and-forth action. Tyrese Haliburton managed 18 points, 16 assists, and 10 rebounds, while Myles Turner delivered a playoff career-high 29 points. Bennedict Mathurin will be sidelined for the Pacers.

The Bucks faced a significant setback with Giannis Antetokounmpo sustaining a calf injury towards the end of the regular season, raising concerns about the injury possibly developing into an Achilles problem, which is the last thing they need. Meanwhile, Damian Lillard's availability for Sunday's game is in question due to a strain, with a likelihood of both stars missing Game 4. In the previous game, Khris Middleton took charge for the Bucks, delivering an impressive performance with 42 points and 10 rebounds. Milwaukee adjusted their defensive strategies against Siakam, frequently assigning Portis to guard him and employing double teams in the post. Should Siakam regain his momentum in Game 4, it could spell trouble for the Bucks. Milwaukee's defense has struggled on the road this season, conceding an average of 118.0 points per game. Despite numerous attempts, they've managed to limit the Pacers to under 120 points only once in eight matchups. With uncertainties surrounding the availability of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, and Chris Livingston sidelined, the Bucks face a challenging scenario.