The Pacers are coming off a 126-113 win towards the Bucks in Sport 4 of their first-round playoff sequence, and are actually within the driver’s seat to shut out the sequence Tuesday night time. The Bucks had been with out Damian Lillard for Sport 4, and might be with out him and Giannis Antetokounmpo for Sport 5. Lillard and Antetokounmpo are each listed as uncertain, placing the chance that Milwaukee is ready to prolong their season in severe doubt.
Milwaukee hasn’t made it straightforward for Indiana, however with out Lillard and Giannis this staff simply would not have the firepower to problem the Pacers.
“Now we have to play as onerous as we are able to. Now we have to execute our recreation plan. Now we have to maintain guys in test. Although we have been down earlier than, we’re down two guys now, we have nonetheless obtained all the arrogance on the planet that we are able to get again right here,” Bucks’ Khris Middleton advised reporters.
This is what it’s essential know forward of Sport 5.
Bucks vs. Pacers — Sport 5 data
- Date: Tuesday, April 30 | Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Fiserv Discussion board — Milwaukee
- TV channel: TNT | Stay stream: Watch TNT, Max
- Odds: Pacers -4.5, O/U: 216
Bucks vs. Pacers storylines
Bucks: Giannis is probably going out, Lillard appears to be trending in that route, and if that is the case, it looks like Milwaukee ought to be planning for the offseason at this level. The Bucks have proven struggle on this sequence even with out their star gamers, however the Pacers will doubtless wish to finish this rapidly to arrange for the subsequent spherical. If Milwaukee loses, it’ll arrange an attention-grabbing offseason the place some severe questions will must be answered concerning the roster being constructed round Giannis.
Pacers: Indiana has been examined on this sequence, however to date the Pacers have answered effectively when pressured. However Tyrese Haliburton wants to indicate why he was an All-Star this season. He is averaging 15.8 factors on simply 43.6% capturing from the ground, and whereas it hasn’t been a lot of a problem with Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner main the way in which, Haliburton’s scoring unlocks lots for Indiana’s offense. Now can be a good time for him to get into rhythm earlier than they face a Knicks staff within the second spherical that will not make something straightforward for him on offense.
Sport 5 prediction
The Bucks confirmed some coronary heart in Sport 1 of this sequence to win with out Giannis, however since then they’ve sorely missed the two-time league MVP. If Lillard can be out, I do not give them a lot of an opportunity. The Decide: Pacers -4.5