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After a heartbreaking 121-118 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 3, the beleaguered Milwaukee Bucks will try to even the series on Sunday. Tyrese Haliburton’s 3-point play with 1.6 seconds remaining gave the host Pacers a 2-1 series lead. The Bucks could be in even fire straits if superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, who are both doubtful, are not cleared to play.
The Pacers’ high-octane offense that overwhelmed the Bucks in Game 3 didn’t show up two nights ago. They had trouble scoring from deep and nearly gave up a 19-point lead before walking away with the win. Indiana has to keep its focus for 48 minutes and not let the crippled but dangerous Bucks have a chance to extend the series.
The Milwaukee Bucks got a superb performance from Khris Middleton in their last game when Lillard had to sit out due to an injury. Doc Rivers will hope he can get the same from his star forward and pray “Dame Time” and the “Greek Freak” are cleared to play. Otherwise, the series could shift to Wisconsin again with the Bucks down a 1-3 hole.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers: Preview, prediction and betting tips
Gainbridge Fieldhouse will host Game 4 of the series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers. TNT will air the game as it happens while Bally Sports Indiana and Bally Sports Wisconsin will do the same locally. Basketball fans can also stream the action by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.
Moneyline: Bucks (+325) vs Pacers (-425)
Spread: Bucks (+9.5) vs. Pacers (-9.5)
Total (O/U): Bucks (o216.5 -110) vs. Pacers (u216.5 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of the writing.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers: Game preview
How long can the Milwaukee Bucks stay competitive without Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo will be answered on Sunday night. Both are reportedly not ready to take the court for the team. Doc Rivers’ offense is already sluggish without the two-time MVP. Minus Lillard, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez will have to step up big time to prevent another loss.
The Indiana Pacers can’t afford to be complacent against their injury-struck opponents. Regardless of who will line up across them, they have to be business-like in their approach. Allowing the visitors to extend the series will give more time to Giannis Antetokounmpo and probably Damian Lillard to return.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers: Starting lineups, subs and rotations
C - Brook Lopez, PF - Bobby Portis, PG - Patrick Beverley, SF - Khris Middleton and SG - Malik Beasley could start for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Pat Connaughton and Jae Crowder will be the top contenders for the Bucks’ sixth-man role. Doc Rivers’ substitutions will likely depend on who will be available and how the game will flow.
C - Myles Turner, PF - Pascal Siakam, SF - Aaron Nesmith, PG - Andrew Nembhard and PG - Tyrese Haliburton will open the game for the Indiana Pacers.
T.J. McConnell for Nembhard might be Rick Carlisle’s first move off the bench. Obi Toppin could also get an early run if Nesmith or Siakam gets into foul trouble.
Editor’s Note: These are predicted starting lineups, which could change depending on the availability of players uncertain to play.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers: Betting tips
Pascal Siakam gets a 25.5 over/under points prop following a 17-point output in Game 3. “Spicy P” averaged 36.5 in Games 1 and 2 before a rough-shooting night brought him back down to earth. Siakam’s efficiency is likely to improve for Game 4 and likely get past his points prop.
Khris Middleton has a 26.5 over/under points prop in Game 4. The Bucks have very little option but to rely on Khris Middleton to carry the offense if Damian Lillard isn’t around. Middleton will have to be aggressive in getting his points or it will be a blowout loss for the visitors. Out of necessity, he is likely topping his points prop on Sunday.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers: Prediction
The Indiana Pacers have had the Milwaukee Bucks’ number in the regular season with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard around. Without them, it can get worse for them in Game 4. The Pacers are likely to defend their home court and roll past the Bucks and the +9.5 spread.
