Bucks, Pacers set for playoff rematch

The Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers are set to face off in the first round of the NBA playoffs for the second consecutive year, following the Bucks' victory over the Detroit Pistons that secured them the No. 5 seed. The Pacers, who finished as the No. 4 seed after a loss to the Orlando Magic, previously defeated the Bucks in six games during last year's playoffs when Milwaukee was without star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. This season, the Bucks have improved against the Pacers, winning three of their four matchups, and are optimistic about having a healthy Antetokounmpo, who has been performing at a high level recently. Conversely, the Pacers' head coach Rick Carlisle has acknowledged the challenges posed by the Bucks, emphasizing their increased depth and improved performance this season. Both teams are preparing for a competitive series, with the Pacers holding home-court advantage due to their playoff success last year. The matchup promises to be intriguing, given the contrasting fortunes of both teams since their last encounter.