The Playoffs are about finding ways to survive. Things can and will go wrong. Your game plan will get rendered obsolete. Teams that win four games in a given series are able to win in multiple ways.

The Pacers did just that on Friday. After getting out to a big lead early in the game, the inability to make shots allowed the Bucks to bring it level. Even after surviving the comeback, the basketball gods answered Khris Middleton's prayers twice as his desperation threes sent the game to OT and Double OT, respectively.

So how did the Pacers pull it out? By scratching and clawing. They came down with 19 offensive rebounds. Andrew Nembhard might have had 2/3 of those on a single possession. Even Tyrese was crashing in after his own shot.

The Pacers won the type of game that they didn't normally win during the regular season. That's what it takes to advance in the playoffs – regardless of who is playing.

Tonight the Bucks will be without both Dame and Giannis. After the emotional win on Friday, I'd expect the regular-season Pacers to come out flat. They've played down to their opponent too many times this year to count this year. But the difference between being up 3-1 and being tied 2-2 heading back to Milwaukee is huge. It might be the difference in whether or not the Bucks decide it's worth risking Giannis' health by playing him.

We need the team to show up to night with every bit of fight that they displayed on Friday. We need them to be dogs. Which according to one of you on this board (I'm hoping), is exactly what they are.

Injuries

Pacers are unchanged. Bucks took a big loss.

How to Watch

Tipoff is at 7:00 PM ET.

TV: TNT, Bally Sports Indiana, NBA League Pass

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

See ya in the comments!

Tagged in:

Game Thread