Damian Lillard is coming back, and the 2025 NBA playoffs first-round rematch between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers just got spicier.
The nine-time NBA All-Star told reporters he plans to play in Tuesday’s Game 2 in Indianapolis after missing the final 14 games of the regular season and the Bucks’ Game 1 loss to the Pacers due to deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot) in his calf. Lillard is averaging 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game this season, and managed to still register in the Game 1 box score when he picked up a technical foul for jawing with Indiana counterpart Tyrese Haliburton from the sideline.
This will be the first time Lillard and Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo have played in a playoff game together after Antetokounmpo couldn’t play in last year’s first-round playoff series loss to the Pacers because of an injury. Indiana blew past the Bucks on Saturday behind a balanced effort led by Pascal Siakam’s 26 points and Haliburton’s double-double (10 points, 12 assists).
Oddsmakers expect something similar on Tuesday, despite Lillard’s potential return, and picks are rolling in on what will happen next in this Eastern Conference series. Here’s a look at the latest predictions and odds ahead of Game 2 between the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks:
Pacers vs. Bucks predictions: Game 2 picks for NBA playoffs first round
Sportsbook Wire: Pacers 117, Bucks 116
The Bucks should be poised for a stronger showing in Game 2, especially with Lillard expected back in the lineup. Milwaukee has gone 4-0 against the spread vs. Indiana this season with Lillard on the floor, never losing by more than a single point … Bet Bucks (to cover spread).”
Dustin Dopirak, IndyStar: Pacers 122, Bucks 111
“The Pacers are expecting a much better Milwaukee team in Game 2, and they should, especially if Damian Lillard returns. The Pacers should be much better. The Pacers can’t expect the Bucks to shoot 9-of-37 from 3-point range, but the Bucks can’t expect Tyrese Haliburton to go 0-of-7 from deep. If Lillard plays, he’s going to make a significant impact, and the other Bucks starters have to be better. But that still won’t be enough.”
Peter Dewey, Sports Illustrated: Pacers cover the spread
“Dame’s shot-making is needed for the Bucks, but defensively this team is still a mess. Milwaukee was in the bottom half of the NBA in defensive rating following the All-Star break, and it struggled to get stops in Game 1.”
Bucks vs. Pacers Game 2 odds
The Indiana Pacers are favorites to extend their 1-0 series lead with a win over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of their 2025 NBA playoffs first-round series, according to BetMGM
BetMGM odds as of 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 22
- Spread: Pacers (-4.5)
- Moneyline: Pacers (-185); Bucks (+150)
- Over/under: 228.5
Pacers vs. Bucks series odds update
The Indiana Pacers are still the favorites to win their Eastern Conference first-round series over the Milwaukee Bucks after a convincing win in Game 1.
- Series winner: Pacers (-250); Bucks (+200)
Bucks vs. Pacers: NBA playoffs schedule, time, TV channel, live streaming
The Eastern Conference first-round series between the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks continues with Game 2 on Tuesday, April 22 in Indianapolis. The game will be broadcast nationally on NBA TV.
Here’s the updated schedule for Pacers vs. Bucks. All times listed are Eastern.
- Game 1: Pacers 117, Bucks 98
- Game 2: Bucks at Pacers | Tuesday, April 22 | 7 p.m. | NBA TV, Fubo
- Game 3: Pacers at Bucks | Friday, April 25 | 8 p.m. | NBA TV, ESPNU, Fubo
- Game 4: Pacers at Bucks | Sunday, April 27 | 9:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling TV
- Game 5: Bucks at Pacers | Tuesday, April 29, TBD | TBD*
- Game 6: Pacers at Bucks | Friday, May 2, TBD | TBD*
- Game 7: Bucks at Pacers | Sunday, May 4, TBD | TBD*
*if necessary
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bucks-Pacers: Predictions and odds for NBA playoff game Tuesday