Bucks vs. Pacers Prediction, Game 1 Expert Picks & NBA Odds Today: Best Bets for NBA Playoffs
The NBA Playoffs tip off today with a tightly matched Eastern Conference showdown as the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers (50-32) host the No. 5 seed Milwaukee Bucks (50-32). Game 1 gets underway at 1 p.m. ET from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis (ESPN).
The Pacers enter as 5.5-point favorites, with moneyline odds of at least -220 across our best sports betting sites. The total is set at 225 or 225.5, and we break down the best Bucks vs. Pacers Game 1 prediction and expert picks based on the latest NBA odds as part of our NBA picks.
📺 Game info & where to watch Bucks vs. Pacers live on Saturday
📅 Date: Saturday, April 19
🕗 Time: 1 p.m. ET
📍 Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
📺 TV: ESPN
💻 Streaming: ESPN+
💡 Bucks vs. Pacers Game 1 prediction & expert picks: NBA Playoffs - Saturday, April 19
🎯 Score prediction: Bucks 115, Pacers 108
✅ Best bet: Bucks +5.5 (-108 via DraftKings)
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📰 Bucks vs. Pacers NBA preview & Game 1 matchup analysis
Despite being the lower-seeded team, the Bucks won the regular-season series 3-1, including a win in Indianapolis on Dec. 31. In that loss, Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton scored just 12 points in 39 minutes, while assisting on just 7 baskets. However, Haliburton more than made up for that performance in his other games against the Bucks, as the Pacers’ star player averaged 17.0 points and 10.3 assists per game across all four contests.
Haliburton, who is the Pacers’ second-leading scorer, will likely need to get near his season averages for his team to win this game. Yet, even if he struggles, the Pacers have seven players who average in double figures, so they have plenty of firepower to overcome the Bucks’ 13th-ranked scoring defense.
However, the Milwaukee enters this game red-hot, winning its last eight games of the regular season. Those victories didn’t come over pushovers either, as four of its wins came against playoff teams. Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 30.0 points per game against the Pacers, and he’s scored at least 30 in nine of his last 11 overall. With how hot he and the Bucks are, plus their success against the Pacers this season, this feels like their game to lose.
One other thing worth highlighting is the total for this game. Our best sports betting apps have it set at 225 or 225.5, even though all four games between these two featured at least 229 points. Don’t fall for the trap. If the Play-In Tournament is any indicator, defenses are showing up again in the postseason, and oddsmakers wouldn’t make it this easy for us.
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💰 Bucks vs. Pacers picks & best bets for Game 1
✅ Against the spread pick: Bucks +5.5 (-108 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ Moneyline pick: Bucks (+190 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ Over/Under pick: Under 225.5 (-110 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐
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⛹️ Best Bucks vs. Pacers Game 1 predictions
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🔥 Bucks +5.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This spread opened at 4.5 points, and despite 61% of bettors backing the Bucks to cover, it has increased to 5.5 points. Usually, this would indicate that oddsmakers like what they’re seeing from the team that the public is fading, and it would be a good idea to go against the public. But I don’t see it on Saturday.
All three of the Bucks' wins over the Pacers were by at least seven points, and the only time the Pacers beat the Bucks was by one in Indianapolis. The Bucks are the hotter team entering the postseason, and they’re better defensively. Maybe my mind will change before Game 2, but for now, the Bucks should be favored in this series.
Best odds: -108 via DraftKings
🔥 Bucks moneyline ⭐⭐⭐⭐
There is no benefit to taking the Pacers’ moneyline in this game. They’ve struggled to stop the Bucks this season, allowing more than 122 points per game. Though Indianapolis is a more balanced team, its best players haven’t performed great against Milwaukee, and its defense has had no answer for Antetokounmpo.
To get the Bucks at nearly 2-to-1 when they’re playing as well as they are is too good to pass up. While oddsmakers initially moved the spread in favor of the Pacers, I believe it will start to shift back, so get in as soon as possible for the best price.
Best odds: +190 via FanDuel
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🔥 Under 225.5 ⭐⭐⭐
At the time of writing, 68% of bettors are backing the Over, which is exactly what oddsmakers want. These two teams are averaging over 115 points per game, and all three of their previous meetings finished with more points than this current total. And yet, the number isn't increasing despite overwhelming support for the Over.
Even though I see the trap, I’m still not incredibly confident in the Under. These are two teams that play very little defense, and both squads have numerous players who can make shots. This fourth quarter could easily feature big shot after big shot, which would send this total easily Over.
Still, the Under is the right play.
Best odds: -110 via BetMGM
🚀 Best Bucks vs. Pacers parlay picks & SGP odds
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🔢 Best Bucks vs. Pacers odds & betting lines
🛒 Shop around for the best Bucks vs. Pacers odds from our best sports betting apps.
📡 Bucks vs. Pacers live odds
🛜 Game already started? You can still get in on the action with our best live betting sites.
🪧 Bucks vs. Pacers opening odds
Opening odds via BetMGM.
- Spread: Bucks +4.5 (-105) | Pacers -4.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Bucks +165 | Pacers -200
- Over/Under: Over 225.5 (-110) | Under 225.5 (-110)
📊 Bucks vs. Pacers stats: Records, trends & best odds today
📈 For full team stats and betting line history, follow our Bucks vs. Pacers matchup.
🚑 Bucks vs. Pacers injury report
📋 For the latest injury news, check today's official NBA injury report.
🗳️ Who will win Bucks vs. Pacers?
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