Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Picks and Predictions April 19th 2025

Pacers Begin Title Hunt Against Battle-Tested Bucks in First-Round Showdown

The Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks are no strangers to each other — and their latest clash comes on the biggest stage yet. The fourth-seeded Pacers open their first-round playoff series Saturday afternoon at home, looking to reverse recent regular-season results and launch a legitimate quest for the franchise’s first NBA title since their ABA days.

Want to back the right side in this compelling 4-5 Eastern Conference matchup? Don’t guess — get ahead of the action with trusted, data-backed NBA playoff picks and predictions to start the postseason right.

Stop Chasing Losses—Follow The Best Handicappers For Winning Picks!

Pacers Charge Into Playoffs With Momentum, Depth

Indiana (No. 4 seed) surged down the stretch, winning seven of its last eight to secure home-court advantage. Led by All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton and versatile forward Pascal Siakam, the Pacers are making just their second playoff appearance in five years but enter with confidence — and a chip on their shoulder.

“The city, the state … they deserve a win,” Siakam said. “That’s what I’m thinking about.”

Haliburton may have struggled against the Bucks this season — held to 18 points or fewer in three of four matchups — but he’s been efficient of late, averaging a double-double in April while shooting 51 percent. He’ll need to up his game against a Milwaukee defense that has limited his rhythm.

Siakam, on the other hand, was a consistent problem for the Bucks all season. He averaged 23 points across the four meetings while shooting a blistering 55 percent. He also dominated last year’s playoff series, averaging 22.3 points and 8.8 rebounds as Indiana eliminated a short-handed Milwaukee squad in six games.

Bucks Aim to Flip the Script Without Lillard (For Now)

Milwaukee (No. 5 seed) comes into this year’s postseason with a different trajectory. Despite winning their final eight games, the Bucks dropped to fifth in the East due to Indiana’s late push. And they’ll begin the series without star guard Damian Lillard, who’s recovering from deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.

“There’s no limitations… other than his lungs and timing,” head coach Doc Rivers said. “It’s not like he’s been working out this whole time.”

Lillard’s absence puts even more weight on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s shoulders — not that he seems fazed. The two-time MVP averaged a triple-double in April and put up monster numbers (30 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 7.5 APG, 65% FG) against Indiana this season, including a triple-double and three 30+ point performances.

Still, Milwaukee’s recent playoff experience could be their biggest asset. Despite their early exit last year, the Bucks core has championship pedigree, and their physicality and discipline will challenge Indiana’s uptempo attack.

Want to Win Big in Round 1?

Back the Best NBA Picks From Proven Experts!

Get Started!

Key Matchups to Watch

• Haliburton vs. Bucks’ Perimeter Defense: Can Tyrese bounce back from a tough regular season series?
• Giannis vs. Everyone: With no Lillard in Game 1, expect Giannis to shoulder more of the offensive burden — can Indiana contain him?
• Siakam’s Versatility: The former NBA champ will need to be the x-factor again to give Indiana an early series lead.

“He’s done it against everybody,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said of Antetokounmpo. “We have to be ready for him.”

Get Pre-Game Confidence—Updated NBA Scores and Odds here.

First to Blink Could Fall Behind Fast

This 4-5 matchup could easily go the distance. With Lillard expected to return later in the series, Game 1 becomes a must-win for Indiana — especially with home-court advantage and momentum on their side. Expect a chess match of adjustments, star power, and postseason grit as the Pacers and Bucks reignite their playoff rivalry.