Pacers, Bucks Prepare for 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 19

As the 2025 NBA Playoffs kick off, the Indiana Pacers will face the Milwaukee Bucks in a first-round matchup, starting on April 19. The Pacers, who finished 4th in the Eastern Conference with a 50-32 record, are favored despite the Bucks' late-season surge, winning their last eight games. However, the Bucks will be without star Damian Lillard, who is sidelined due to blood clots, raising concerns about their chances against a deep Pacers team. Lillard's absence significantly impacts the Bucks' offensive capabilities, which could lead to another first-round exit for Milwaukee. Meanwhile, the Pacers have momentum with a strong finish to the season and key players like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam driving their success. The matchup is crucial, as home court advantage may play a pivotal role in this closely contested series.