MILWAUKEE @ INDIANA (IND -8.5, 213)
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BUCKS VS. PACERS 5/2/24
In Game 5 of their first-round playoff series with Indiana, the Milwaukee Bucks managed to avoid elimination despite playing once again without superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. When the Bucks play Game 6 of their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis tonight, they may have to go without their two stars again. Both players are listed as doubtful for tonight’s game.
Following his early ejection in Game 4, Bobby Portis bounced back, scoring 29 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to lead Milwaukee over Indiana 115-92 in Game 5. The Pacers still hold a 3-2 lead in the series.
Khris Middleton scored 29 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and added five assists to help the Bucks avoid elimination.
With Antetokounmpo and Lillard scheduled to workout on Wednesday, perhaps the "next one" will feature their reunion. Both players are "very, very, very close" to playing again, according to Bucks coach Doc Rivers.
The two-time NBA MVP Antetokounmpo has been out since April 9 with a strained left calf. Due to an Achilles injury, eight-time All-Star Damian Lillard has missed the last two games. In the first three games of the series, he averaged 32.3 points per game.
Myles Turner acknowledged that Indiana missed a fantastic chance on Tuesday to win its first playoff series since 2014 with both stars out of Milwaukee's lineup. Tuesday's second quarter saw the Pacers' 10-point lead from the first quarter quickly evaporate. Despite making 7-of-20 shots from the floor, including just 2-of-8 from three-point range, they were outscored 30–17 in the quarter.
Turner added 13 points, and Tyrese Haliburton scored 16 for the Pacers, who ended with their lowest point total since 2023–24. In their three series wins, they averaged 124 points. In each of their losses, the Pacers have been held under 100 points.
Milwaukee has struggled without Antetokounmpo and Lillard. They have really struggled on the road. The Bucks are 0-5 SU in their last five road games. With their two stars most likely out, Indiana is now an 8.5-point favorite.
Indiana has now won 7 of its last 10 games. The Pacers need to do what they do best - push the pace. The key number for the Pacers seems to be around 120. In their three wins in the series, the Pacers scored over 120 points each time and they averaged 122.7 per game for the season. The Over has cashed in 8 of the Pacers last 10 games and in their last six straight at home. The Over is 7-0 in Indiana’s last seven home games against the Bucks.
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FREE PICK: PASCAL SIAKAM OVER 31.5 PTS + REBS
Siakam has been virtually nonexistent over the last three games. He’s scored 17, 13, and he had just 12 points in Game 5. Needless to say, Siakam was nowhere near this prop in Games 3, 4, and 5. He was, however, way Over this number in Games 1 and 2. He had 36 points and 13 rebounds in Game 1 and followed that up with 37 points and 11 boards in Game 2. Look for Indiana to get Siakam more involved tonight and take way more than the 12 shots he took in Game 5. That will help push him Over this prop.
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