Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Picks and Predictions April 22nd 2025

Pacers vs Bucks Game 2 Preview: Indiana Eyes Home Hold, Milwaukee Hopes for Lillard Spark

The Indiana Pacers couldn’t have asked for a better start to their Eastern Conference first-round series, dominating the Milwaukee Bucks in a wire-to-wire 117-98 victory in Game 1. But as Game 2 tips off Tuesday night in Indianapolis, both teams are approaching the matchup with urgency — for very different reasons.

For Indiana, it’s about staying sharp. For Milwaukee, it’s about resetting — and possibly getting a huge boost with the return of Damian Lillard.

Game 1 Recap: Pacers in Control

From the opening tip, the Pacers set the tone. Indiana built a 24-point halftime lead (67-43) and cruised from there behind:

• Pascal Siakam: 25 points
• Myles Turner: 19 points
• Andrew Nembhard: 17 points

The Pacers shot 51.9% from the floor, played elite team defense, and limited Milwaukee’s supporting cast while neutralizing the Bucks’ perimeter shooting (24.3% from three).

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Milwaukee’s Issues: Offensive Imbalance, Depth Questions

Giannis Antetokounmpo looked like himself, posting 36 points and 12 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough. The rest of Milwaukee’s starting lineup combined for just 14 points on 5-of-20 shooting.

The Bucks’ biggest concerns:

• Kyle Kuzma went scoreless in 21 minutes
• Perimeter shooting vanished (9-of-37 from 3)
• Bench support was limited without Lillard

Milwaukee will need more from shooters like Malik Beasley, Brook Lopez, and Khris Middleton if they want to even the series.

Lillard Watch: Will Dame Time Arrive in Game 2?

Damian Lillard, who has been sidelined with a calf injury since mid-March, could be on the court Tuesday night. He’s been practicing fully and traveled with the team, even drawing a technical from the bench in Game 1 for getting into it with Siakam.

Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists in the regular season and is a proven playoff performer. His return would dramatically alter Milwaukee’s spacing and offensive flow.

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Indiana’s Mindset: Stay Grounded, Stay Aggressive

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle made it clear after Game 1 that there’s no room for complacency.

Indiana is 16-3 at home since the All-Star break, and Game 1 showed they can overwhelm teams early with energy, ball movement, and pace.

Key to victory in Game 2:

• Repeat defensive effort on Giannis’ supporting cast
• Control tempo and continue to exploit mismatches
• Maintain shooting efficiency and rim pressure

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FAQs

When is Game 2 of Pacers vs Bucks?
Tuesday night in Indianapolis.

What was the score in Game 1?
Pacers 117, Bucks 98.

Did Giannis play well in Game 1?
Yes, he scored 36 points and had 12 rebounds.

Is Damian Lillard expected to return?
Lillard is likely to play in Game 2 after full practice participation.

How did Indiana shoot in Game 1?
The Pacers shot 51.9% from the field and dominated in ball movement.

Final Word: Pacers vs Bucks Game 2 Preview

Indiana showed they’re not just happy to be here — they want to win. But Milwaukee is a veteran team, and with Giannis locked in and a potential Lillard return, Game 2 could be very different.

Expect a tighter contest, more defensive intensity, and a Bucks team fighting to avoid a 2-0 hole before heading home.

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