Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports/Sipa USA

Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Game 2: Eastern Conference Playoffs – First round

The Milwaukee Bucks proved that they can play well without the Greek Freak and will try to get to a 2-0 lead over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday at Fiserv Forum.

The Pacers are the best offensive team in the league

The Indiana Pacers made many changes during the regular season and managed to reach the playoffs. They came into Game 1 as favorites but had no chance to beat the Bucks on the road. Pascal Siakam had a great game with 36 points and 13 rebounds, but the rest of the team was not on the required level. The Pacers made only eight of 38 three-point shots and failed to score 100 points for the first time this season. The Pacers were the top-scoring team in the league in the regular season, averaging 123.1 points per game on 50.6% shooting from the field.

Can the Bucks survive without Giannis Antetokounmpo?

The Milwaukee Bucks finished third in the Eastern Conference but lost Giannis Antetokounmpo for the first playoff round. Despite his absence, the Bucks dominated the Pacers, winning 109-94 in Game 1. Damian Lillard stepped up and had full control of the game, finishing with 35 points. Khris Middleton had a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds, just like Bobby Portis with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Betting Trends

Milwaukee has won 13 of the last 18 games against Indiana. The Bucks are 4-8 SU in the last 12 games overall, 9-4 SU in the last 13 games played at home and 11-3 SU in the last 14 home games against Indiana. The Pacers are 6-3 SU in the last 9 games overall.

Prediction and Conclusion

Many were doubting that the Bucks would be able to handle the Pacers without Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Damian Lillard proved his class and took over the team. Lillard scored 35 points in the opening game and completely outplayed Tyrese Haliburton. The Bucks definitely have more playoff experience and many players who can step up and play a crucial role. The Pacers are in such a situation with the current roster, and they simply choked. Scoring 94 points is very disappointing of them, and it is hard to believe that they will be able to change things in the second game. The Bucks have the momentum and will build on that, taking a 2-0 lead tonight.