2024-25 Eastern Conference First-Round Preview: No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks v. No. 4 Indiana Pacers

2024-25 Eastern Conference First-Round Preview: No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks v. No. 4 Indiana Pacers

To open the 2024-25 NBA Playoffs, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks square off with the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, April 19. This is a rematch of last year’s first-round matchup, where the Pacers beat the Bucks in six games. Who comes out on top this year? Let’s dive into it!

What to know about the Milwaukee Bucks:

Starters:

• Damian Lillard (if he actually plays)
• Taurean Prince
• Kyle Kuzma
• Giannis Antetokounmpo
• Brook Lopez

Key Reserves:

• Ryan Rollins
• AJ Green
• Kevin Porter Jr.
• Bobby Portis

The Milwaukee Bucks did not get off to a smooth start in Doc Rivers‘ first full season, losing eight of their first 10 and nine of their first 13. However, the insertion of AJ Green into the full-time rotation in addition to Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo playing their best basketball allowed them to win eight of their next nine and 13 of their next 17.

Milwaukee made multiple moves at the deadline to bring in Kyle Kuzma and Kevin Porter Jr. While those two players have provided a mixed bag of results, they were much-needed amid Damian Lillard’s blood clot and Bobby Portis’ 25-game suspension (violating anti-drug policy). The Bucks earned one less win than they did a year ago, finishing with the 10th-best offense and 12th-best defense.

What to know about the Indiana Pacers:

Starters:

• Tyrese Haliburton
• Andrew Nembhard
• Aaron Nesmith
• Pascal Siakam
• Myles Turner

Key Reserves:

• Bennedict Mathurin
• Obi Toppin
• T.J. McConnell
• Jarace Walker

Biggest Questions:

The Pacers ousted the Bucks in six games last year en route to their first Eastern Conference appearance in over a decade. Despite not much offseason movement, the Pacers notched their first 50-win season since 2013-14, going 50-32.

It was not a smooth start to the season for point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who had some of the strangest home-road splits over the first couple months of the season. However, the two-time All-Star ended the season as well as anyone could ask for. Since the All-Star break, he’s averaged 20.6 points, 11.0 assists and 1.8 steals on 53.3 percent shooting, including 43.9 percent from 3-point range (7.4 3PA) and 86.4 percent from the free-throw line.

Collectively, Indiana was a far better defensive team than they were last year. Since the start of February, they’ve been the league’s 13th-best defense, including the 8th-best post-All-Star. The Pacers were also far better on the (defensive) glass over that span than they were last year. No rebounds, no rings–you know the deal.

Key Questions:

1. Can Indiana’s recent defensive surge be put into practice against Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo has, historically, destroyed the Indiana Pacers. Over the last five years, he’s averaging 35.4 points, 12.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists on 71.2 percent true shooting. While Indiana’s interior has been stingier this year, Antetokounmpo’s still averaging 30-12-8. He’s one of the best players on earth and if the Pacers can’t slow him down for however many games, Milwaukee can very well steal this series.

2. So … Damian Lillard’s healthy?!

After missing nearly a month due a blood clot in his calf, yes, he’s been medically cleared. It’s an unprecedented return from DTV, which typically takes months of blood thinners. I don’t know what to do with any of it. Zero. Zilch. Nada. I’m not a doctor and the medical staff has forgotten more than I will ever come close to knowing, but my opinion is that none of this feels like a good idea. I trust they’re doing what’s best for him, but I scratch my head at his availability. That is all.

Prediction: Pacers in 7

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