Bucks vs Pacers NBA Pick: Milwaukee Looks To Avoid 0-3 Deficit (Apr 25)

• The Milwaukee Bucks desperately need a win to get back into the series.
• After holding serve on its home court in the first two games, the Indiana Pacers look to take a commanding 3-0 lead.
• These teams last played on Apr. 22, with the Pacers claiming a 123-115 victory.

One of the games on Friday’s NBA slate features the Milwaukee Bucks hosting the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of a first-round Eastern Conference playoff series. Can Milwaukee bounce back in our Bucks vs Pacers pick?

Bucks-Pacers Game 2 Recap

The Bucks were thoroughly outplayed in Game 1, losing by a 27-point margin. Game 2 was more competitive, but the results were the same. With their postseason on the brink, the Bucks must win Game 3 if they have any hopes of getting back into this series.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of three starters who finished in double figures, spearheaded the offense with a spectacular performance. He scored 34 points, grabbed 18 rebounds (including seven on the offensive glass), and handed out seven assists on 70 percent shooting from the field.

Bobby Portis also turned in a solid performance, finishing with 28 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. He also shot 11-for-19 from the floor and connected on six of his 11 attempts from beyond the arc.

On the other side of the matchup, the Pacers’ offense featured a balanced attack, with six players registering double-digit scoring totals. Pascal Siakam led the way with 24 points, 11 boards, three assists, and three steals.

Tyrese Haliburton finished with 21 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds for a Pacers squad that shot 48.9 percent overall and 44.4 percent from 3-point range.

The Pacers led 31-16 seven and a half minutes into the contest and held a 115-90 lead in the fourth quarter. Milwaukee closed within 12 following a 13-0 burst, but Siakam knocked down a key 3-pointer that sparked an 8-2 run to put the game out of reach.

Bucks vs Pacers Pick: Who Has The Edge In Game 3 Of This First-Round Matchup?

After dropping both games on the road, will a change of venue help Milwaukee get back into the series? Let’s look at a few notable trends for both sides heading into Game 3.

• The Bucks are 8-2 straight-up (SU) in their last 10 games.
• Milwaukee is 7-3 against the spread in its 10 previous outings.
• The Pacers have won nine of their last 10 contests.
• Indiana is 1-4 against the spread in its previous five road matchups against the Bucks.

The Bucks took three of the four regular-season meetings. However, the Pacers won Games 1 and 2, and have won five of the six previous postseason matchups between these franchises.

Because they are facing a 0-2 deficit, the Bucks will play with a greater sense of urgency from the start en route to taking Game 3 on Friday night.