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It’s do-or-die time for the Milwaukee Bucks.
After getting shellacked by the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of their best-of-seven first-round playoff series April 27 at home, the Bucks head to Indianapolis for Game 5 on the brink of elimination, trailing 3-1.
If the Bucks don’t win, their season will end like it did last year: at Indiana and in the first round.
The big storyline around the Bucks franchise, of course, is the devastating injury of Damian Lillard, who suffered a torn left Achilles early in the 129-103 loss in Game 4. The injury will likely keep the all-star guard out for much of next season as well.
But this season isn’t over just yet, even if the prospects are looking bleak.
First, the Bucks are 0-5 against the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the playoffs in the last two seasons. And then there’s the fact that only 13 teams in NBA history — a meager 5% — have come back from a 3-1 series deficit. And to top it off, the balanced and efficient Pacers are playing like a well-oiled machine on offense, while the Bucks, save for one half in their Game 3 win, have been thoroughly outplayed in the heated series.
The Bucks will look to avoid being ousted in the first round of the playoffs for a third straight season and second straight year by the Pacers.
Here’s how to watch Game 5 between the Bucks and Pacers on April 29:
Bucks vs Pacers start time
- Date: Tuesday, April 29
- Time: 5 p.m. CT
The Bucks and Pacers tip off at 5 p.m. April 29 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Game 5 of their best-of-seven series.
Bucks vs Pacers series
The Bucks trail the Pacers in the first-round series, 3-1.
The Pacers can advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals with a win over the Bucks in Game 5. A Bucks win sends the series back to Milwaukee for Game 6.
What channel is Bucks vs Pacers on?
- TV: FanDuel Sports Wisconsin and NBA TV
- Stream: You can stream the game on the FanDuel Sports Wisconsin app through your television or streaming carrier. Fubo also has a free trial for new subscribers. You may encounter a blackout screen on NBA TV if you’re in the Milwaukee or Indianapolis markets due to local restrictions. More on it here.
- Announcers: Lisa Byington (play-by-play), Marques Johnson (analysis) and Melanie Ricks (sideline reporter) will call the game on FanDuel Sports Wisconsin.
How can I listen to Bucks vs Pacers on the radio?
Is the Bucks-Pacers on SiriusXM radio?
- Yes, the Bucks broadcast is on Channel 86 and the Pacers broadcast is on Channel 213.
Bucks vs Pacers odds
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Tuesday
- Spread: Pacers by 7.5
- Over/under: 222.5
- Moneyline: Bucks +300, Pacers -375
Bucks playoff schedule
Game 1: Pacers 117, Bucks 98; Indiana leads series, 1-0 (RECAP)
Game 2: Pacers 123, Bucks 115; Indiana leads series, 2-0 (RECAP)
Game 3: Bucks 117, Pacers 101; Indiana leads series, 2-1 (RECAP)
Game 4: Pacers 129, Bucks 103; Indiana leads series, 3-1 (RECAP)
Game 5: Milwaukee at Indiana, 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 29
Game 6: Indiana at Milwaukee, Friday, May 2*
Game 7: Milwaukee at Indiana, Sunday, May 4*
* if necessary
Bucks vs Pacers Game 4 photos
The Bucks were no match for the Pacers, while Lillard suffered a torn Achilles in the first quarter of the 129-103 loss in Game 4 on April 27 at Fiserv Forum to fall into a 3-1 series deficit.
Bucks vs Pacers Game 3 playoff photos
Behind 37 points from both Gary Trent Jr. and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks were on fire in the second half and rolled to a 117-101 victory in Game 3 on April 25 at Fiserv Forum to get on the board in the series.
Bucks vs Pacers Game 2 playoff photos
In Lillard’s return from a blood clot that forced him to miss over a month, the Bucks never led and their comeback bid came up short in a 123-115 loss to the Pacers in Game 2 on April 22 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Bucks vs Pacers Game 1 playoff photos
The Bucks fell behind big early and were blown out by the Pacers, 117-98, in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series April 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Milwaukee Bucks playoff roster
Here was the Bucks’ playoff roster entering their series against the Pacers.
