Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Preview, NBA 2024-25: The Indiana Pacers seek to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals by closing out the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 5 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
After a resounding victory in Game 4, Pacers hold the momentum. Indiana showcased a standout offensive performance, setting a playoff record by having eight players score in double figures.
Meanwhile, the Bucks faced a significant setback with the loss of nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard early in Game 4 due to a torn left Achilles tendon. Lillard’s injury casts doubt on his postseason availability, leaving Milwaukee scrambling to adjust.
Team Standings & Performance
As competitors in the Eastern Conference, both teams have shown strong performances this season. Here’s a look at their current standings and recent form:
| Team | Record | Home/Away Record | Last 10 Games | Point Differential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacers | 52-30 | 28-13 (Home) | 6-4 | +10 |
| Bucks | 48-34 | 22-19 (Away) | 5-5 | +6 |
Pacers: Indiana leverages a balanced team with strong home performance and dominant playoff presence.
Bucks: Despite setbacks, Milwaukee’s depth and experience keep them as formidable playoff contenders.
Game Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM EST
- Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
- Network/Streaming: NBA TV, Fubo TV (regional restrictions may apply)
Betting Odds:
- Pacers: -350 (Moneyline), -7.5 (Spread)
- Bucks: +280 (Moneyline), +7.5 (Spread)
- Over/Under: 222.5 points
Player Stats
Indiana Pacers Key Players
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | Recent Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyrese Haliburton | 21.4 | 9.8 | 12.1 | 1.5 | 0.4 | Consistent playmaking; totaled 15 assists in last game |
| Myles Turner | 18.5 | 7.1 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 2.9 | Anchored defense with 4 blocks in Game 4 |
| Pascal Siakam | 16.3 | 7.5 | 3.8 | 1.2 | 0.7 | Versatile scoring threat, adding rebounds |
Milwaukee Bucks Key Players
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | Recent Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | 28.1 | 12.5 | 5.5 | 1.3 | 1.0 | Dominated third quarter with 18 points |
| Kevin Porter Jr. | 14.2 | 4.1 | 3.7 | 0.9 | 0.3 | Nearly triple-double performance, 23 points |
| Brook Lopez | 11.5 | 6.3 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 1.8 | Solid rim protection and rebounding effort |
Head-to-Head Matchup and Previous Meetings
The Pacers have built a commanding lead against the Bucks in their playoff encounters in the NBA 2024-25 season.
| Date | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 27, 2025 | Milwaukee | Pacers 129, Bucks 103 |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Indianapolis | Pacers 110, Bucks 102 |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Milwaukee | Bucks 108, Pacers 101 |
| Apr 19, 2025 | Indianapolis | Pacers 115, Bucks 99 |
Summary:
- Indiana’s balanced and effective offensive plays have been crucial in their victories.
- Milwaukee’s depth was tested with Lillard’s absence, altering their game dynamics.
Stat Leaders Comparison
| Category | Pacers (Rank) | Pacers (Stat) | Bucks (Rank) | Bucks (Stat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 4th | 115.6 | 8th | 112.3 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 6th | 45.2 | 9th | 43.8 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 5th | 47.8% | 12th | 45.9% |
| FT Percentage | 7th | 79.0% | 11th | 77.8% |
| 3-Point Percentage | 8th | 36.7% | 13th | 35.2% |
| Assists Per Game | 3rd | 27.8 | 15th | 24.3 |
| Turnovers Per Game | 18th | 13.9 | 10th | 12.8 |
| Blocked Shots | 2nd | 6.2 | 5th | 5.3 |
| Steals Per Game | 12th | 7.9 | 8th | 8.3 |
Team Offensive Breakdown
Pacers:
- Strong emphasis on distributing the ball effectively, led by Haliburton’s playmaking.
- Effective shooting from both inside and beyond the arc, anchored by Turner’s and Siakam’s contributions.
- Consistency in offensive execution; leverage home court advantage.
Bucks:
- Giannis is central to their offensive strategies, heightened further without Lillard.
- Depth players required to elevate performances, especially in scoring efficiency.
- Second-chance opportunities through robust rebounding, challenging the Pacers’ defense.
Last Five Head-to-Head Meetings
| Date | Result | Leading Performers |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 27, 2025 | Pacers 129, Bucks 103 | Turner 23 pts, Giannis 28 pts |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Pacers 110, Bucks 102 | Siakam 26 pts, Porter Jr. 23 pts |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Bucks 108, Pacers 101 | Giannis 34 pts, Turner 20 pts |
| Apr 19, 2025 | Pacers 115, Bucks 99 | Haliburton 28 pts, Lillard 22 pts (before injury) |
| Feb 12, 2025 | Bucks 112, Pacers 110 | Giannis 31 pts, Haliburton 24 pts |
Key Player Highlights from Past Meetings:
- Tyrese Haliburton: Demonstrated decisive playmaking, with strong assist performances.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: Consistently dominant despite defensive challenges.
- Myles Turner: Key defensive anchor particularly effective in blocking shots and rebounding.