The 2025 NBA playoffs are starting with a bang, featuring a repeat of last year's first-round matchup. The Indiana Pacers, seeded fourth, will host the fifth-seeded Milwaukee Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers won their last encounter in six games, but Giannis Antetokounmpo was sidelined due to injury. This time around, the Bucks have the upper hand, winning three out of four regular-season games against the Pacers.

    The Pacers are favored by six points, with the total points expected to be 225. The Pacers have a strong home record, winning 29 out of 41 games. However, the Bucks are on a roll, winning eight straight games and covering the spread in seven of those. Giannis has been on fire, averaging a triple-double over his last five games. The Bucks also have a better head-to-head record against the Pacers this season.

    The Pacers, however, have their own streak, winning seven out of their last eight games. They also have a strong home-court advantage, which could be a game-changer. The Pacers' offense is also a force to be reckoned with, ranking in the top 10 for points per game and offensive rating. The Bucks, on the other hand, struggle with offensive rebounds and steals, which could limit their scoring opportunities.

    The Pacers' coach, Rick Carlisle, has a knack for elevating his team's performance against top-tier opponents. The Pacers have covered the spread in 60% of their games against teams with a winning record. The Bucks, however, have struggled against such teams, covering the spread in only 41% of their games.

    The Bucks' motivation is also a factor to consider. Giannis has been injured in the last two postseasons and has only played in two of Milwaukee's last 11 playoff games. He will be eager to prove himself in the 2025 playoffs. The Pacers, however, have a strong home-court advantage, which could be a significant factor in their favor.

    The Pacers are favored by six points, with the total points expected to be 225. The Pacers have a strong home record, winning 29 out of 41 games. However, the Bucks are on a roll, winning eight straight games and covering the spread in seven of those. Giannis has been on fire, averaging a triple-double over his last five games. The Bucks also have a better head-to-head record against the Pacers this season.

    The Pacers, however, have their own streak, winning seven out of their last eight games. They also have a strong home-court advantage, which could be a game-changer. The Pacers' offense is also a force to be reckoned with, ranking in the top 10 for points per game and offensive rating. The Bucks, on the other hand, struggle with offensive rebounds and steals, which could limit their scoring opportunities.

    The Pacers' coach, Rick Carlisle, has a knack for elevating his team's performance against top-tier opponents. The Pacers have covered the spread in 60% of their games against teams with a winning record. The Bucks, however, have struggled against such teams, covering the spread in only 41% of their games.

    The Bucks' motivation is also a factor to consider. Giannis has been injured in the last two postseasons and has only played in two of Milwaukee's last 11 playoff games. He will be eager to prove himself in the 2025 playoffs. The Pacers, however, have a strong home-court advantage, which could be a significant factor in their favor.

The 2025 NBA Playoffs: Pacers vs. Bucks

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