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Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers Game 3: Eastern Conference Playoffs – First round
The Indiana Pacers have a chance to take control of the series when they host the Milwaukee Bucks for Game 3 on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Are the Bucks in trouble?
The Milwaukee Bucks lost in the opening playoff round last season, which was a huge disappointment, and things do not look promising this season as well. They were aware that Giannis Antetokounmpo would miss the opening round, but Khris Middleton also went down with a knee injury in Game 2 and is questionable for this one. Damian Lillard led the Bucks to an easy 109-94 win, but the Bucks were completely outplayed in the last one, losing 125-108. Lillard dropped 34 points, but that was simply not enough for the Bucks to win.
The Pacers are the best offensive team in the league
The Indiana Pacers scored only 94 points in the opening games of the series, which was the first time this season for them to stay under 100 points in a game. They picked up their pace in the next one and won 125-108 to tie the series. Pascal Siakam has been phenomenal, scoring 37 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists in Game 2, followed by Myles Turner with 22. The Pacers shot 55.6% from the field and 44.4% from three-point territory.
Betting Trends
Indiana has won 5 of the last 7 games overall against Milwaukee. The Pacers are 5-2 SU in the last seven games overall, 5-0 SU in the last five home games, and 7-13 SU in the last 20 games played in April. The Bucks are 3-7 SU in the last 10 games overall and 1-6 SU in the last 7 road games.
Prediction and Conclusion
The Milwaukee Bucks had many ups and downs this season. From firing Adrian Griffin to taking time to adapt under Doc Rivers, the Bucks are now without Giannis Antetokounmpo and most likely without Khris Middleton. That is a huge blow for the Bucks, as Indiana took the momentum in Game 2, and with the up-tempo basketball they prefer, the Bucks will have a tough time slowing them down. Pascal Siakam has been the best player in this series, and he will be the key man in this one as well. Indiana will take advantage of the situation and grab a 2-1 lead in the series.
