Keys to the Pacers closing out the Bucks on the road

The Pacers' Bench Must Produce (More)

In the regular season, Indiana's bench was among the best ever. They averaged 46.8 points a game this season. While the rotation usually shrinks a bit in the playoffs, the Pacers need their subs to outscore the Bucks.

Despite it only being by one point, Milwaukee's bench outscored Indiana's in Game 1 of the first round. This would be the only time they did in the series. The Pacers' bench outscored the Bucks' bench 23-18 in Game 2, 28-6 in Game 3, and 32-28 in Game 4.

Jalen Smith put up ten points in Game 1 but has not scored since. He has also sat in the last two playoff games, too. Obi Toppin has scored double figures in Games 3 and 4 after only scoring 13 points combined in the first two games.

Back-up point guard TJ McConnell has only scored 23 points between all four games so far. Rookie Ben Sheppard has only scored 25 points in as many contests, too.

Milwaukee owns one of the worst defenses in the Eastern Conference during the regular season. The Bucks allowed 116.4 points per game. Ignoring the Game 1 effort where the Bucks only gave up 94 points, they have allowed 124 points per game in the last three games (all of which have been losses).

The Pacers should capitalize on a reeling third seed. If Game 5 is to be the last one in this series, Indiana must have their bench score more and aid their starters' efforts.