Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports/Sipa USA

Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers Game 4: Eastern Conference Playoffs – First round

The Indiana Pacers have a chance to get one step away from the second round when they host the Milwaukee Bucks for Game 4 on Sunday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Can the Bucks bounce back?

The Milwaukee Bucks lost to Giannis Antetokounmpo right before the start of the playoffs, and that may be the crucial moment this season. The Bucks came back from being 15 points down in the last quarter to send the game into overtime but still fell short. Khris Middleton was brilliant, scoring 42 points, followed by Damian Lillard, who scored 28.

How dangerous are the Pacers?

The Indiana Pacers had the worst offensive night of the season in the opening game of the series, but left that behind and won the next two games. They could have done that much easier in Game 3 but still survived with a strong finish in overtime. Myles Turner was the best player on the Pacers with 29 points, followed by Tyrese Haliburton with 18 points and 16 assists.

Betting Trends

The Bucks are 4-2 ATS in the last six games against teams from the Eastern Conference and 4-2 ATS in the last six games against teams from the Central Divison. The Pacers are 1-4 ATS in the last five games against teams from the Central Divison and 2-4 ATS in the last six games played on Sunday.

Prediction and Conclusion

The Milwaukee Bucks have a tough time hanging on in the playoffs. They came in without Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton suffered a minor injury in Game 2; and Damian Lillard in the last one. Lillard returned to action and dropped 28 points, but is listed as questionable for Game 4. That is why the Pacers are given a -9.5-point spread, which is way too much. Knowing how big of a competitor Lilard is, he will show up, and just like in the previous game, the Bucks will have a standing chance. Therefore, we are going with the Bucks covering the +9.5-point spread.