Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks Game 1 preview: Start time, where to watch, injury report, betting odds April 21

The Pacers kick off the playoffs tonight

Jan 1, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) fouls Indiana Pacers center Isaiah Jackson (22). / Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers are back in the playoffs. Tonight, the blue and gold play Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks for their first postseason battle since late August of 2020. They are excited to be back on the biggest stage.

"It's been a long four years," Pacers center Myles Turner said of reaching the playoffs again. He's been with Indiana for his entire career.

The blue and gold went 4-1 against the Bucks during the regular season, but they are trying to forget about those battles. They were before Milwaukee made a coaching change during the season, and all five games were prior to the trade deadline. Pascal Siakam, Doug McDermott, and Patrick Beverley weren't involved in those regular season meetings. It's a clean slate for the playoffs.

Viewing and Betting Information

Tip off time: 7 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: Fiserv Forum
, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Where to watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Indiana, Bally Sports+, Bally Sports Wisconsin, TNT

Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are slight favorites as they are currently -1.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 231.5.

Pacers vs Bucks Injury Report

The Pacers listed Bennedict Mathurin (torn labrum) as out.

The Bucks listed Giannis Antetokounmpo as doubtful due to his left calf strain.

Key Matchup

Andrew Nembhard vs Damian Lillard: With Antetokounmpo's status up in the air, Lillard could end up being the Bucks most important offensive player in Game 1. Slowing him down won't be easy, but Nembhard will have to try — Lillard should be the head of the snake.

The eight-time All-Star averaged 24.3 points and 7.0 assists per game this season. He's a tough cover. It will take a team effort from Indiana to slow Lillard down, and it likely starts with Nembhard. If the young Pacers guard can be a pest while also making his corner threes, then the Pacers will have a good chance to win.

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• Pascal Siakam is the key to the Indiana Pacers playoff success both on and off the court. CLICK HERE.
• Indiana Pacers young players hoping inexperience isn't a factor in the playoffs: 'I haven't felt much pressure'. CLICK HERE.
• Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark meets Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, gets praise from Rick Carlisle. CLICK HERE.
• Myles Turner steps up and leads Indiana Pacers over Atlanta Hawks the way he said he would. CLICK HERE.
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