Recapping a wildly different Game 2 for the Milwaukee Bucks
Dustin Dopirak, Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe look back at Indiana’s convincing Game 2 win over the Bucks at Fiserv Forum on April 23.
INDIANAPOLIS – The first-round playoff series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers shifts to Indianapolis today with a scheduled tipoff at 4:30 pm CDT at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Is Giannis playing tonight?
No. The two-time MVP strained his left soleus (calf) muscle on April 9, and although he has continued to get on the court he has not done any live (full speed) actions. He has been listed as doubtful for the first three games of the series, but has been ruled out early in the afternoon before Games 2 and 3.
More: Bucks ‘holding our breath’ on Khris Middleton’s availability for Game 3; Gianni’s injury update
Bucks record without Giannis
- 1-1 in the 2024 playoffs after Sunday’s win. Over his career, the Bucks are 4-3 in playoff games he misses.
- 4-6 in the 2023-24 regular season.
Is Khris Middleton playing?
The three-time all-star is questionable to play today with a right ankle sprain suffered in the first quarter of Game 2. After stepping on Pascal Siakam’s foot in the first quarter, Middleton briefly exited the game to get his ankle retaped and returned to play 36 minutes.
He did not participate in the Bucks’ practice on Thursday.
More: Khris Middleton took Aaron Nesmith under his wing. Now they are battling in the NBA playoffs
Bucks vs Pacers injury report
Bucks
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, out (left soleus strain)
- Chris Livingston, out (non-COVID illness)
- Khris Middleton, questionable (right ankle sprain)
Pacers
- Bennedict Mathurin, out (right shoulder labral tear)
Bucks probable starting lineup
- Guards: Damian Lillard, Pat Beverley
- Forwards: Chris Middleton, Bobby Portis
- Centre: Brook Lopez
Bucks vs Pacers preview
Bucks: Damian Lillard scored 26 points in the first half of Game 2, but the Bucks never settled their defense and eventually lost control of the game. With Khris Middleton (15 points) hobbled, the Bucks will look to Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez to be bigger factors.
Pacers: Indiana baited Milwaukee into playing their high-speed game, and Pascal Siakam continued to flummox the Bucks defense with 37 points and six assists. Tyrese Haliburton didn’t shoot well (4-for-10) but handed out 12 assists.
Bucks vs Pacers odds, betting line, spread
Odds according to BetMGM.
- Spread: Bucks +6
- Above/below: 223
- Moneyline: Pacers -245; Bucks +195
Bucks vs Pacers prediction, game picks
ESPN gives the Pacers a 58% chance to beat the Bucks in Game 3.
Bucks vs Pacers stats
Bucks (regular season)
- PPG: 119.0
- PPG allowed: 116.4
- FG%: 48.7
- 3PT%: 37.3
Pacers (regular season)
- PPG: 123.3
- PPG allowed: 120.2
- FG%: 50.7
- 3PT%: 37.4
Bucks vs Pacers NBA playoffs schedule
| Date | Score |
| April 21 | Bucks 109, Pacers 94 |
| April 23 | Pacers 125, Bucks 108 |
| April 26 | Bucks at Pacers |
| April 28 | Bucks at Pacers |
| April 30 | Pacers at Bucks |
| May 2* | Bucks at Pacers |
| May 4* | Pacers at Bucks |
* if necessary
What channel is Bucks vs Pacers on today? How to watch, stream live
- TV channels: Bally Sports Wisconsin; ESPN
- Stream: You can stream the game on the Bally Sports Wisconsin and ESPN apps.
- Announcers: Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson and Melanie Ricks for Bally Sports Wisconsin and Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Monica McNutt for ESPN.
Bucks vs Pacers start time, TV info, location
- Start time: 4:30 p.m. CDT.
- TV info: Bally Sports Wisconsin and ESPN.
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana.
