The Pacers, who made the Eastern Conference finals a season ago, are led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Siakam (20.2 points per game) was an All-Star in 2025, while Haliburton got better as the season progressed. He averaged 20.6 points and 11 assists per game after the All-Star break.

So far, the Bucks have only outplayed them in one half of basketball. An outlier performance from Gary Trent Jr. in the second half of Game 3 is what has prevented a sweep. This is a lopsided matchup. Additionally, the loss of Milwaukee star guard Damian Lillard to an Achilles tear is a severe blow emotionally, and it makes this a strong play.

The fifth-seeded Milwaukee Bucks and fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers play Game 5 of a best-of-7, first-round series Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.