The 5-seed Milwaukee Bucks head to Indiana to face the 4-seed Pacers on Saturday afternoon. The game is at 1:00 PM ET on ESPN. It’s Game 1 of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Can the Pacers cover the 5.5-point spread as home favorites? Keep reading for our Bucks vs. Pacers betting prediction.
The series is tied 0-0.
The Milwaukee Bucks went 48-34 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 0-0 straight up and 0-0 ATS in the postseason this year. The Bucks are 43-38-2 ATS this season.
The Indiana Pacers went 50-32 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 0-0 straight up and 0-0 ATS in the postseason this year. The Pacers are 36-43-3 ATS this season.
Bucks vs. Pacers Matchup & Betting Odds
503 Milwaukee Bucks (+5.5) at 504 Indiana Pacers (-5.5); o/u 224.5
1:00 p.m. ET, Saturday, April 19, 2025
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
TV: ESPN
Bucks vs. Pacers Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 65% of public bettors are currently backing the Bucks when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Milwaukee Bucks Daily Fantasy Spin
Bucks point guard Damian Lillard has missed the past month with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. Despite some promising developments, he’ll sit out Saturday’s game. Lillard is no longer taking blood-thinning medication for that ailment, meaning he could be nearing a return to the court soon.
Damian Lillard is Milwaukee’s second-leading scorer this season with 24.9 points per game. The former Portland Trail Blazer leads the Bucks in assists this season with 7.1 assists per game.
Bucks reserve forward Tyler Smith will sit out Saturday’s contest with a left ankle sprain. Smith is averaging 2.9 points per game in 5.3 minutes per contest this year.
Indiana Pacers Daily Fantasy Spin
Pacers reserve guard Ben Sheppard is probable to play on Saturday as he nurses a toe injury. The Belmont alum is averaging 5.3 points per game in a career-high 19.5 minutes per contest this season.
Indiana small forward Isaiah Jackson is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon he suffered in early November of 2024. The Pacers have been using a combination of Bennedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker to fill Jackson’s minutes this year.
Bucks vs. Pacers NBA Betting Trends
Milwaukee is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games against Indiana.
Milwaukee is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
Indiana is 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
Indiana is 13-16-2 ATS as a home favorite this season.
Bucks vs. Pacers NBA Prediction:
Milwaukee will be without Damian Lillard in this game. That might not be that big of a loss. The Bucks are 16-8 straight up with Damian Lillard out of the lineup this season. Milwaukee still has Giannis Antetokounmpo on its squad. The Greek Freak is still one of the best players in the league as he averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game for the Bucks this year.
Additionally, Milwaukee forward Bobby Portis just finished serving a 25-game PED suspension, so he should be fresh for these playoffs. Bucks backup point guard Kevin Porter Jr. has also stepped up with Lillard out of the lineup, as the former USC Trojan is averaging 16.9 points per game on 52.9% shooting this month. Indiana may very well win this series, but I like Milwaukee to cover in Game 1. The pick is the Bucks +5.5 points over the Pacers at Bovada.lv.