Pacers vs Bucks Game 1: Indiana Dominates Milwaukee to Open Playoffs

Matt Levine is a contributing sports writer for Newsweek, located in California. Specializing in NBA coverage, he also reports on various other sports. He has been part of Newsweek since 2024, having earned a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from Louisiana State University in 2021. You can contact him via email at m.levine@newsweek.com or find him on social media at @Levine1445.

The opening game of the 2025 playoffs between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers took place with an early afternoon tip-off in Indianapolis. The Pacers secured a significant advantage by playing in front of their dedicated fans, ultimately winning the game 117-98 and taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Despite Milwaukee’s struggles, the Pacers excelled in all facets of the game and dominated their opponents. Star player Damian Lillard’s absence due to a health issue posed a challenge for the Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo delivering a strong performance but falling short. Game 2 is highly anticipated, with both teams aiming to make a statement and potentially alter the course of the series. The Bucks’ hopes may rest on Lillard’s potential return, which could impact the series significantly. For further updates on the NBA playoffs and insights into the Pacers and Bucks, visit Newsweek Sports.