NBA DFS Picks for the Playoffs: Bucks vs Pacers – Game 2

The Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers will face off tonight at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 2 of their first-round playoff series. After a dominant 117-98 victory in Game 1, the Pacers are up 1-0 and looking to extend their lead on home court.

On the other hand, the Bucks are in a must-win situation, looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss that saw them struggle in multiple areas, including defense and offensive efficiency, aided by the absence of star guard Damian Lillard.

Bucks vs Pacers Game 1 Recap

Game 1 was a brutal wake-up call for the Bucks. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo delivering a stellar 36-point, 12-rebound performance, Milwaukee was thoroughly outplayed by a well-balanced Pacers squad. With Lillard sidelined, the Bucks struggled to find their rhythm offensively. Without their sharpshooter, the Bucks missed much-needed floor spacing and struggled to generate consistent scoring outside Giannis’ post-ups and drives to the basket.

The Pacers, led by Pascal Siakam (25 points) and Tyrese Haliburton (12 assists) took full advantage of the Bucks’ weaknesses. Siakam played a crucial role in the Indiana offense, providing scoring, playmaking and energy at both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, Myles Turner chipped in with 19 points and 5 rebounds, playing a vital role in protecting the rim and spacing the floor for the Pacers. Andrew Nembhard added 17 points, contributing to a balanced offensive effort that kept the Bucks on their heels throughout the game.

Haliburton, who has emerged as one of the league’s brightest young point guards, orchestrated the Indiana offense to perfection. His ability to read the defense and find open teammates was on full display, and he made sure that the ball movement never stagnated. As a result, the Pacers shot 51% from the field, including a blistering 38% from beyond the arc. On the other hand, the Bucks struggled from deep, shooting just 24% from three-point range and failing to sustain offensive pressure.

Defensively, the Pacers were relentless. They played with an intensity that overwhelmed the Bucks’ supporting cast. They often doubled-teamed Giannis, and without Lillard to space the floor or create additional offensive opportunities, Milwaukee didn’t have many answers. Despite their best efforts, including some timely contributions from AJ Green, who had 15 points and Gary Trent Jr., who added 14 off the bench, the Bucks were simply outmatched in all phases. Their lack of defensive intensity allowed Indiana to build a 28-point lead at one point, and the game was never truly in doubt after the third quarter.

Bucks vs Pacers Game 2 DFS Picks

Heading into Game 2, the Bucks have a lot to adjust. With Lillard still uncertain for the contest, Milwaukee will need to lean even more on Giannis and their role players to step up in a big way.

Giannis will continue to be the focal point of Milwaukee’s offense, and he’ll likely need to be even more aggressive in Game 2. Look for him to initiate the offense early and attack the Pacers defense in transition. His ability to get to the basket and draw fouls will be crucial to keep the Indiana defense on its heels. However, Milwaukee can’t rely solely on Giannis. The Bucks need someone to step up if Damian Lillard is still out, whether it’s Bobby Portis or Kyle Kuzma. Those two, who are both good offensive players, scored a combined 4 points and were 2-13 from the floor.

Indiana, meanwhile, will enter Game 2 with confidence. Their Game 1 performance showed they can hang with one of the league’s top teams. Haliburton, Siakam and Turner will all be crucial to Indiana’s chances of taking a 2-0 lead. Expect them to continue pushing the pace, getting out in transition and utilizing their depth to wear down Milwaukee. 

From a DFS perspective, Giannis Antetokounmpo is once again the safest pick for Game 2. His ability to produce in multiple areas—points, rebounds, assists—makes him a must-have in any lineup. If Lillard can’t play, Giannis will likely see an even greater share of the offensive workload, increasing his chances of another monster performance.

For Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton is an obvious choice. He’s the engine that drives their offense, and after his stellar performance in Game 1, controlling the game, he’s likely to see even more opportunities to create. Myles Turner could also be a strong play, especially if he continues to provide scoring, rebounding and rim protection. But our top pick will stick with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Our Pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo to Record 32+ Points