The 2025 NBA playoffs are kicking off on Saturday with an exciting rematch from last year`s first round. The Indiana Pacers, seeded 4th (50-32), are set to host the 5th-seeded Milwaukee Bucks (48-34). Last season, Indiana overcame Milwaukee in six games in the first round, though Giannis Antetokounmpo was absent due to injury. Interestingly, the Bucks dominated the regular season series against the Pacers this year, winning three out of four games. Damian Lillard might return later in the playoffs but will miss Game 1 due to a blood clot.

Game time is set for 1 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where the Pacers have a strong home record of 29-12. Bookmakers currently favor Indiana by 5.5 points in the Pacers vs. Bucks game. The expected total score is set at 224 points. For expert betting advice on this game, consider checking out the NBA predictions from SportsLine`s Matt Severance.

Matt Severance, a seasoned sports betting analyst since 2005, has an impressive track record at SportsLine. Over the last three NBA seasons, his NBA picks have generated a profit of $4,452 for $100 bettors. He`s currently on a hot streak, with a 144-84-1 record in his recent NBA picks, resulting in a profit of +$2553.75. Following Severance`s predictions could lead to significant returns.

Severance has now conducted a detailed analysis of the Milwaukee vs. Indiana game and has released his top NBA picks and betting predictions, available at SportsLine. Here are the current betting odds for the Bucks vs. Pacers game:

  • Spread: Indiana -5.5 (DraftKings)
  • Over/Under: 224 points
  • Money Line: Pacers -225, Bucks +185
  • Bucks ATS Record (Regular Season): 43-39-1
  • Pacers ATS Record (Regular Season): 38-43-1
  • Picks: See expert picks at SportsLine
  • Streaming: FuboTV (Free Trial Available)

Bucks` Strengths for Game 1

The Milwaukee Bucks enter this game with considerable momentum, boasting the league`s longest active winning streak of eight games. They have also covered the spread in seven of these eight wins, indicating they are performing exceptionally well at a crucial time. With Lillard out, Giannis Antetokounmpo has stepped up as a point forward, achieving four triple-doubles in his last five games. During this period, he`s averaged 30.8 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 12 assists, with an impressive 59.6% shooting accuracy.

Another advantage for the Bucks is their 3-1 regular-season record against Indiana, also covering the spread in three of those matchups. Their single loss was narrow, decided by a controversial four-point play by Tyrese Haliburton in the final seconds. After injury setbacks in the past two postseasons, Antetokounmpo, who has played in only two of Milwaukee`s last 11 playoff games, will be highly motivated to showcase his MVP-caliber performance as the 2025 NBA playoffs begin. For betting recommendations, visit SportsLine.

Pacers` Strengths for Game 1

Matching the Bucks` form, the Pacers have won seven of their last eight games. Their only recent loss occurred when they rested key players in their second to last regular season game. Home-court advantage is significant for Indiana, as they are exceptionally strong at home. Despite being the 4th seed, they had the second-best home record in the Eastern Conference, surpassing even Boston`s home record with a 29-12 compared to 28-13.

Coach Rick Carlisle`s Pacers team performs well against top-tier opponents, covering the spread in 60% of games against teams with over a 55% win rate. In contrast, Milwaukee`s ATS record is only 12-17 (41%) against similar high-performing teams. The Bucks may struggle to keep pace with Indiana`s fast-paced, high-scoring offense, which ranks among the top 10 in points per game and offensive rating. Milwaukee`s offensive rebounding and steals are among the league`s worst, potentially limiting their second-chance and fast-break scoring opportunities. For betting advice, visit SportsLine.

Expert Bucks vs. Pacers Betting Advice

Matt Severance has identified a strong against-the-spread pick for the Pacers vs. Bucks game. While he is considering the Over for the total points, he emphasizes a crucial factor that makes one side of the spread a particularly strong bet. It`s highly recommended to see his expert analysis before making any bets.

Who will win between the Bucks and Pacers, and what key factor makes one side a must-bet? Visit SportsLine now to see Severance`s Pacers vs. Bucks spread pick. His NBA picks have returned over $4,400 in profit over the last three seasons.