Bucks vs. Pacers odds, score prediction, time, line: 2024 NBA playoff picks, Game 1 best bets by proven model

The Milwaukee Bucks are hosting the Indiana Pacers for Game 1 of their first-round Eastern Conference series on Sunday evening. These teams linked up five times this season, including once in the NBA In-Season Tournament. Indiana won four of the five meetings against Milwaukee. The Pacers finished the regular season ranked first in the NBA in points per game (123.3) and assists (30.8). On the other side, the Bucks were fifth in 3-pointers made (1,163). Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is not expected to suit up for Sunday’s showdown.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Indiana is the 1-point favorite in the latest Pacers vs. Bucks odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 231.5. Before making any Bucks vs. Pacers picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters the 2024 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 88-58 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $2,600. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Bucks vs. Pacers and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Pacers vs. Bucks:

• Pacers vs. Bucks spread: Indiana -1
• Pacers vs. Bucks over/under: 231.5 points
• Pacers vs. Bucks money line: Indiana -120, Milwaukee +100
• IND: The Pacers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games against Milwaukee
• MIL: The Bucks are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games
• Pacers vs. Bucks picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Bucks can cover

With Antetokounmpo missing this contest, the Bucks will need to have multiple other players step up. Guard Damian Lillard will be one who can produce on the offensive end of the floor. Lillard is a reliable scorer from any spot on the court while being a smooth floor general. The 33-year-old logged 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and seven assists per game. On April 10 against the Orlando Magic, Lillard finished with 29 points, six boards, and nine assists.

Forward Bobby Portis is a difference-maker in the frontcourt. Portis has an effective jumper that allows him to space the floor. The Arkansas product crashes the glass but looks to score when he has the basketball. Portis averaged 13.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and shot 50% from the field. In his last game, he totaled 17 points and 10 boards. See which team to pick here.

Why the Pacers can cover

Center Myles Turner makes things difficult on opposing players in the paint. Turner brings elite rim protection to the lane while owning the bounce to rise up for dunks. He also has the jumper to hit 3-pointers. The Texas product averaged 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per contest. Additionally, he made 35% of his 3-point attempts. On April 14, Turner finished with 31 points, 12 boards, and four blocks.

Forward Aaron Nesmith is a great swingman and two-way threat. Nesmith continues to be very active off the ball as both a cutter and perimeter shooter. The Vanderbilt product runs with tremendous effort as a defender. He put up 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and shoots 41% from downtown. Nesmith dropped 15-plus points in three of his last five games. In the April 12 loss to the Cavaliers, he totaled 15 points and six rebounds. See which team to pick here.

How to make Pacers vs. Bucks picks

SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 233 points. The model also says one side hits in well over 50% of simulations. You can only get the model’s pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Bucks vs. Pacers, and which side hits in well over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread to jump on, all from the advanced model that has returned more than $2,600 on its NBA picks this seasonand find out.