After a 123-115 loss in Game 2, the Milwaukee Bucks head home to take their turn to host the Indiana Pacers, who are going for a 3-0 series lead. Will the Bucks avoid falling down such a devastating deficit? Or, will the Pacers sound the proverbial death knell for Giannis Antetokounmpo and company with a win in Game 3?
Catch this game live on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 8:00 AM, Manila time
Away: Indiana Pacers (2-0)
Projected Starting Five:
- Tyrese Haliburton
- Andrew Nembhard
- Aaron Nesmith
- Pascal Siakam
- Myles Turner
The Pacers are stepping out of the friendly confines of Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the first time in this series, but one thing about Indiana is that it entered the playoffs with a solid finish to its road assignments in the regular season. The Pacers won four of their last five games away from home while going 4-1 against the spread in those contests.
With or without Damian Lillard on the other side, the Pacers have dominated the Bucks so far in this series. Indiana has averaged 120.0 points while shooting an incredible 41.4 3FG% in the first round. The Pacers are finding gaps in Milwaukee’s defense with excellent ball movement, with 58 assists on 86 made field goals after two games.
While Giannis Antetokounmpo struggles to get help from his teammates, the Pacers are benefiting from a balanced attack with six players averaging at least 11.5 points.
Home: Milwaukee Bucks (0-2)
Projected Starting Five:
- Damian Lillard
- Taurean Prince
- Kyle Kuzma
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Brook Lopez
Is it time for the Bucks to panic? Either way, they have to win Game 3. Otherwise, a 3-0 series deficit will spell virtual doom for Milwaukee, which is hoping that Damian Lillard will be closer to top-form Damian Lillard this time around after he went just 4-for-13 from the floor for 14 points in Game 2.
Lillard made his return to action in that game after a long absence due to a calf issue, so rust might have factored into his subpar evening on the court. One constant for the Bucks is none other than Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has scored 70 points on 65.1 FG% with 30 rebounds and eight assists through two games. The two-time NBA MVP needs ample support, which his fellow starters are simply not providing in the series. However, Bobby Portis had 28 points and 12 rebounds off the bench in Game 3. That’s at least one good sign heading into Game 3 for the Bucks, who still shot 50.6 FG% and 40 3FG% in Game 2.
The Bucks are 3-0 straight up and 3-0 ATS in their last three home games against Indiana.
Picks
Spread: Milwaukee Bucks (-5.5)
Over/Under: Over (230.5)
