Pacers vs. Bucks final score prediction for Game 2 of NBA playoffs

The Milwaukee Bucks made a big statement in their playoff opener against the Indiana Pacers. Milwaukee, which was one of the most heavily scrutinized teams after struggling under new head coach Doc Rivers (17-20) and finishing the regular season on a 3-11 stretch, opened the first round with a 109-94 victory.

Damian Lillard took over for Milwaukee with star center Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined by a left calf strain. It was a full “Dame Time” experience as the eight-time All-Star carried the offensive load for the Bucks, scoring all of his team-high 35 points in the first half. Khris Middleton also added 23 points and Bobby Portis turned in a double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds). 

Can Milwaukee repeat that performance to take a commanding 2-0 series advantage? Antetokounmpo is listed as doubtful for the matchup, so it will be up to the same cast from Game 1 to get the job done on Tuesday. 

Using the latest betting odds for Game 2, here’s an attempt to predict the final score for tonight’s matchup between the Bucks and Pacers at Fiserv Forum. 

Pacers vs. Bucks odds, spread and total

Pacers vs. Bucks NBA expert prediction and pick 

While playing at the No. 2 pace in the NBA, the Pacers have the top-scoring offense in the NBA, putting up 122.8 points per game. 

That fast-paced offense was a no-show in the series opener, going just 36-of-91 from the floor (39.6%) and 8-of-38 (21.1%) from beyond the arc and just 14-of-21 from the free-throw line. 

Should you expect those numbers to bounce back? The Pacers won the second half in Game 1, 52-40, but that did little to offset a giant first-half hole other than make the final score look a little more respectable. 

The Pacers’ offense has been able to travel throughout the season as Indiana has the highest-scoring offense on the road, too, at 120.1 points per game. The Pacers should see an improvement against a Milwaukee defense that is 21st in the NBA in scoring.

Indiana star forward Pascal Siakam had the best performance of any Pacer in Game 1, turning in a game-high 36 points on 15-of-25 shooting. 

Siakam went 14-of-21 from 2-point range to take advantage of a Milwaukee frontcourt that was obviously shorthanded with the Greek Freak watching from the sidelines. Milwaukee ranks just 16th in the NBA against shots from 2-point range this season. 

Pacers vs. Bucks final score prediction 

Milwaukee went just 4-5 during the regular season without Antetokounmpo and 3-4 against playoff teams. 

Most importantly, the Bucks defense gave up an average of 117.4 points in those nine contests, which makes it seem more likely that the Pacers’ abysmal shooting display in Game 1 was an anomaly. 

Indiana owns the NBA’s best ATS mark following a loss this season (23-11-2 ATS) and its offensive numbers from a putrid showing in Game 1 should improve for one of the best units in the league.

Final score prediction: Pacers 117, Bucks 111

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Game odds update periodically and are subject to change.