The Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks are set to clash in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series tonight at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers lead the series 1-0 after a commanding 117-98 victory in Game 1.​

In the series opener, the Pacers showcased a balanced offensive attack. Pascal Siakam led the team with 25 points, while Myles Turner contributed 19 points, including four three-pointers. Tyrese Haliburton added 10 points and 12 assists, orchestrating the offense effectively. Indiana's defense limited the Bucks to 98 points, with Milwaukee struggling from beyond the arc, particularly in the second quarter where they shot 1-for-11 from three-point range. ​

In typical Pacers fashion, the ball was hopping all night.

Really, that's the secret to the Pacer's offense. Stick and move until somebody gets a good look. This strategy generates them the most wide-open three-point attempts in the league. They've also done a decent job this year at preventing their opponents from getting the same quality of shots, coming in just better than league average when it comes to conceding open threes.

In Game 1, the Bucks did have their fair share of open threes that they simply failed to convert. With Giannis Antetokoumpo on the floor, something has to give and his gravity will always create space for his teammates. Let's hope those teammates remain cold tonight.

Damian Lillard's Return

Speaking of three-point shooting teammates, the Bucks will receive a significant boost with the return of All-Star guard Damian Lillard, who has been sidelined since March 18 due to a blood clot in his right calf. Lillard has been cleared to play and is expected to participate in Game 2 without a minutes restriction. His presence should alleviate some of the aforementioned offensive burden on Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored 36 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in Game 1.​

Having said that, Lillard will have to matchup with one of the premier perimeter stoppers in the league in Andrew Nembhard. No small task for a guy who hasn't played in over a month.

Oh yeah, I snuck that bottom part of tweet in there about Mathurin being one of the most clutch players in the league. A nice tool to have as these playoffs drag on.

Injuries

Clean bill of health for the home team. Lillard is back.

How to Watch

Tipoff is at 7:00 PM ET.

TV: TNT, FanDuel Sports Network

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

See ya in the comments!

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