Pacers vs. Bucks score, schedule, NBA playoff updates, odds: Indiana closes out series with comeback OT win

The Pacers and Bucks met in the first round of the NBA playoffs for the second year in a row

For the second year in a row, the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks met in the first round of the NBA playoffs. 

The Pacers used their home-court advantage and took the first two games in the series in Indianapolis. The Bucks responded at home on Friday, winning Game 3 by a score of 117-101. The Bucks had a chance to tie the series in Game 4 on Monday, but the Pacers prevailed 129-103 as Milwaukee lost Damian Lillard to a torn Achilles. Back in Indianapolis, the Pacers then closed out the series and eliminated the Bucks in Game 5 with a wild come-from-behind 119-118 win in overtime.

The Pacers, who knocked the Bucks out last year, entered the series as the higher seed and the favorite this year against their Central Division rival. Indiana shook off a slow start to finish 50-32 and earn the East's No. 4 seed this season. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks were after their first series victory since 2022, but that drought continues. Antetokounmpo missed the playoff series last year against Indiana, but a different Milwaukee star was injured in 2025. Damian Lillard missed the first game of the series, made a much-needed return for Games 2 and 4 and then suffered another injury in Game 4.

The Pacers, who made the Eastern Conference finals a season ago, are led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Siakam (20.2 points per game) was an All-Star in 2025, while Haliburton got better as the season progressed. He averaged 20.6 points and 11 assists per game after the All-Star break.

Pacers vs. Bucks schedule, results

All times Eastern

Game 1: Pacers 117, Bucks 98
Game 2: Pacers 123, Bucks 115
Game 3: Bucks 117, Pacers 101 
Game 4: Pacers 129, Bucks 103 
Game 5: Pacers 119, Bucks 118 (Indiana wins series, 4-1)

CBS Sports had updates and analysis below throughout Bucks-Pacers.

[Apr 29, 2025 at 11:39 pm ET · Sam Cooper]

How did the Pacers pull off their historic comeback?

The Pacers trailed by as many as 20 in the first half and were down seven with less than 40 seconds remaining in overtime. Nonetheless, they were able to pull out an incredible Game 5 victory to eliminate the Bucks. 

Jack Maloney details how it all transpired:

How the Pacers eliminated the Bucks and pulled off the biggest comeback in franchise playoff history

Jack Maloney

[Apr 29, 2025 at 8:59 pm ET · Jack Maloney]

FINAL: Pacers 119, Bucks 118 (OT) 

What. A. Game. The Indiana Pacers have advanced to the second round of the playoffs with a stunning overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 5 of their first-round series on Tuesday. 

The Bucks were up by four with less than 30 seconds to play in overtime, but turned it over on back-to-back possessions, and the Pacers capitalized. First, Tyrese Haliburton scored an and-one to cut the deficit to one, before putting in the game-winner with 1.3 seconds remaining after a pass went through the legs of Milwaukee's Gary Trent Jr. 

The Bucks, playing with desperation and a new starting lineup, came out on fire and built an early double-digit lead against a listless Pacers team that seemed like they were expecting an easy night at the office. After the first quarter, the Bucks were up by 17, and they pushed their advantage to 20 early in the second.

To little surprise, the Pacers responded. They closed the deficit to six points by halftime, and took the lead at multiple points after the break. It seemed like the Pacers would eventually pull away, but the Bucks refused to quit. Giannis Antetokounmpo was incredible with 30 points, 20 rebounds and 13 assists, and the supporting cast kept hitting shots.

After Antetokounmpo missed a fadeaway at the buzzer in regulation, we went to overtime. The Pacers jumped in front first, before Trent hit four of his eight 3-pointers to help the Bucks build a seven-point lead with less than a minute to play. The Bucks should have been able to hold on from there, but were unable to do so due to a combination of turnovers and big shots by the Pacers. 

Following the game, there was a scuffle involving multiple players from both teams, and Antetokounmpo also exchanged words with Haliburton's father. 

For the Pacers, who were down 20, the win marked the franchise's largest playoff comeback in play-by-play era. For the Bucks, the 20-point collapse is the franchise's largest blown lead in a playoff game in that same span. 

[Apr 29, 2025 at 8:39 pm ET · Jack Maloney]

END OF REGULATION: Pacers 103, Bucks 103

Giannis Antetokounmpo missed a turnaround fadeaway at the buzzer that could have given the Milwaukee Bucks a stunning Game 5 win over the Indiana Pacers, and now we'll get free basketball in Indianapolis. 

The Bucks, playing without Damian Lillard, got off to an incredible start and led by as many as 20 in the second quarter, but the Pacers came storming back to make it a game at the break. From there, the two teams went back-and-forth down the stretch and each had a chance to win. 

[Apr 29, 2025 at 7:07 pm ET · Jack Maloney]

Halftime: Bucks 47, Pacers 41

It's safe to say no one outside of the Bucks' locker room expected this first half. The Bucks, down Damian Lillard and facing elimination, broke out a new starting lineup for Game 5 and got off to a terrific start on the road against an unsuspecting Pacers team. 

The Bucks led 30-13 at the end of the first quarter and were up by as many as 20 at one point. Though the Pacers closed the half strong to make the deficit manageable at the break, this was still an excellent first 24 minutes for the Bucks, who are playing with desperation. 

AJ Green has made four 3-pointers and leads the way in the scoring department with 12 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo is well on his way to a triple-double with eight points, six rebounds and seven assists. 

[Apr 29, 2025 at 6:39 pm ET · Jack Maloney]

Bucks off to surprise start in Game 5

After Damian Lillard went down with a torn Achilles tendon, everyone expected the Pacers to roll at home in Game 5. Instead, the Bucks switched up the starting lineup, turned up their intensity and jumped out to a surprise 30-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Pacers' 13 points were the fewest in a first quarter in franchise playoff history. 

Will the Bucks be able to keep this up and force a Game 6 back in Milwaukee?

[Apr 29, 2025 at 5:08 pm ET · Sam Cooper]

Best bets for Tuesday's Game 5

NBA playoff odds, picks: Can Pacers put the Bucks away? Plus plays for Pistons vs. Knicks and more on Tuesday

Sam Quinn

[Apr 28, 2025 at 12:03 am ET · Jack Maloney]

🚨Game 4 final: Pacers 129, Bucks 103

The Pacers played a nearly flawless game offensively to take a 3-1 lead

The Indiana Pacers took a commanding 3-1 lead in their first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks with a wire-to-wire win in Game 4 on Sunday night. They will have a chance to close things out and eliminate the Bucks for the second consecutive season in Game 5 on Tuesday, which will be back in Indianapolis. 

While the Pacers played a nearly flawless game on the offensive end -- they shot 60.2% from the field, made 18 3-pointers and turned it over only 11 times -- the main story from the night was Damian Lillard's injury. The veteran guard went down with what is feared to be a torn Achilles tendon in the middle of the first quarter and did not return. 

The Pacers were the better team and may have won anyway, but it was no contest without Lillard. 

Eight different players scored in double figures for the Pacers, including all five starters. Myles Turner led the way in the scoring department with 23 points on 9 of 13 from the field, while Tyrese Haliburton added 17 points, eight rebounds and 15 assists. 

[Apr 27, 2025 at 11:02 pm ET · Jack Maloney]

Turner throws down huge slam

Myles Turner got the Pacers off to a great start in the second half with a thunderous dunk over Giannis Antetokounmpo that got the Pacers' bench up of its feet and halfway onto the court. Coming down the floor in semi-transition, Turner caught a pass from Tyrese Haliburton with a full head of steam and rocked the rim. 

Turner is up to 16 points on the night on 6 of 8 from the field in a big bounce-back performance after a rough Game 3. 

[Apr 27, 2025 at 10:38 pm ET · Sam Cooper]

Lillard feared to have suffered torn Achilles

With the Bucks headed to halftime trailing the Pacers 63-52, the initial prognosis on Damian Lillard's injury is not good as the nine-time All-Star is feared to have suffered a torn Achilles tendon. 

Damian Lillard injury update: Bucks star feared to have torn Achilles in Game 4 vs. Pacers, per report

Jack Maloney

[Apr 27, 2025 at 10:07 pm ET · Jack Maloney]

Lillard leaves with lower leg injury

In the middle of the first quarter of Game 4 between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers on Sunday night, Damian Lillard collapsed while chasing an offensive rebound and immediately grabbed for his left calf and Achilles tendon area. He was eventually helped off the court and could not put any weight on his left leg. 

Lillard had been sidelined for over a month with a blood clot in his right calf, but returned to action in Game 2. He has not shot the ball well since returning -- 6 of 25 from the field -- but his presence has certainly made a difference. The Bucks won Game 3 to close the series gap to 2-1, and are trying to tie things up in Game 4. 

That task will become far more difficult if Lillard cannot return. 

[Apr 26, 2025 at 10:40 am ET · Aaron Gray]

Gary Trent Jr. rescues Bucks

Trent's nine 3-pointers in Milwaukee's Game 3 win over the Pacers tied Ray Allen's franchise playoff record.

Gary Trent Jr. rescues Bucks with historic 3-point outburst, and here's why Damian Lillard wasn't surprised

Jack Maloney

[Apr 25, 2025 at 10:29 pm ET · Jack Maloney]

🚨 Game 3 final: Bucks 117, Pacers 101

The Milwaukee Bucks aren't dead yet. After dropping the first two games of their first-round series with the Indiana Pacers, the Bucks rallied for a come-from-behind victory in Game 3 to make the series 2-1. The Bucks trailed by as many as 12, but outscored the Pacers by 26 in the second half to pull away for a comfortable win. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo was unstoppable again, and finished with 37 points, 12 rebounds and six assists on 14 of 19 from the field, and this time he finally got some help. Gary Trent Jr., who was moved into the starting lineup, exploded for a playoff career-high 37 points of his own on an incredible 9 of 12 from 3-point range. 

Pascal Siakam had 28 points in defeat for the Pacers, who shot just 43.7% from the field in the game. 

A pivotal Game 4 is set for Sunday night in Milwaukee. Will the Pacers extend their lead to 3-1? Or will the Bucks even things up?

[Apr 25, 2025 at 9:13 pm ET · Jack Maloney]

Halftime: Pacers 57, Bucks 47

Neither team has been able to get much consistent offense going in the first half this evening, but the Pacers did find some life late in the second quarter to build a 10-point lead at the break. They have taken a double-digit lead in the first half of all three games in this series. 

Aaron Nesmith is leading the way in the scoring department for the Pacers with 15 points, while Pascal Siakam has gone for 13. Those two are a combined 12 of 18 from the field, while the rest of the Pacers are 9 of 32. 

As per usual, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been leading the way for the Bucks. He's up to 17 points, eight rebounds and two assists on 7 of 9 from the field, but Gary Trent Jr. (13 points) is the only other player in double figures. The Bucks are shooting 18 of 48 from the field as a team, including 4 of 23 from downtown. 

[Apr 25, 2025 at 10:17 am ET · Aaron Gray]

Best bets for Friday's Game 3

NBA playoff odds, picks: Luka Dončić, LeBron James expose Timberwolves; Celtics go up 3-0 on Magic

Sam Quinn

[Apr 22, 2025 at 9:41 pm ET · Jack Maloney]

🚨 Game 2 final: Pacers 123, Bucks 115

The Pacers withstood a late 13-0 Bucks run to pull out the win

The Indiana Pacers have taken a 2-0 lead in their first-round series after holding off a late comeback attempt from the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 on Tuesday night. 

It was all Pacers early on, as they picked up right where they left off in Game 1. They built a 15-point lead in the first quarter and cruised through the first 43 minutes or so. They were up by that margin late in the fourth quarter when the Bucks suddenly ripped off a 13-0 run to briefly cut the deficit to two points. 

That would be as close as the Bucks got, however, as Pascal Siakam responded with a 3-pointer, and Andrew Nembhard added another a few possessions later that essentially ended the game. 

Siakam went for 24 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and three steals in another big performance against the Bucks, while Tyrese Haliburton led the way as a playmaker with 21 points and 12 assists. As a team, the Pacers knocked down 16 3-pointers and shot a perfect 19 of 19 from the free-throw line. 

Damian Lillard started in his return from a blood clot, and put up 14 points and seven assists, but shot 4 of 13 from the field. Giannis Antetokounmpo had another monster night in defeat with 34 points, 18 rebounds and seven assists. Again, though, it was not enough. 

Game 3 is set for Friday night in Milwaukee. 

[Apr 22, 2025 at 8:15 pm ET · Jack Maloney]

Halftime: Pacers 68, Bucks 60

The Pacers picked up right where they left off in Game 1 and have led the entire way tonight in Game 2. Their biggest lead was 15 at multiple points, but the Bucks have closed the gap a bit heading into the break. 

Tyrese Haliburton has been running the show for the Pacers. He's up to 16 points and seven assists already, and has either scored or created on 13 of their 25 made field goals. Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin are also in double figures for the Pacers, who are shooting 50% from the field.

Damian Lillard is back for the Bucks and has chipped in 11 points, though he's struggled at times on the other end of the floor. 

[Apr 22, 2025 at 7:44 pm ET · Jack Maloney]

Lillard back in action for Bucks

Damian Lillard started Game 2, making his long-awaited return from a blood clot in his calf that had kept him sidelined since March 18. Lillard played the first 9:40 of the game, and while it took him a while to find a rhythm, he knocked down a few shots to get to six points. 

The Bucks have trailed by double digits most of the night, but Lillard's return is still a welcome sign. 

[Apr 22, 2025 at 6:55 pm ET · Sam Cooper]

Damian Lillard injury update: Bucks star (blood clot) returns to play in Game 2 vs. Pacers

Jack Maloney

[Apr 22, 2025 at 6:17 pm ET · Sam Cooper]

NBA playoff odds, picks: Best bets for Grizzlies vs. Thunder, Wolves vs. Lakers, more Game 2s on Tuesday

Sam Quinn

[Apr 19, 2025 at 3:48 pm ET · Jack Maloney]

🚨 FINAL: Pacers 117 -- Bucks 98

The Pacers have taken a 1-0 lead in their first-round series with the Bucks thanks to a comfortable 19-point win in Game 1 on Saturday afternoon. 

The Bucks made things somewhat interesting in the fourth quarter by cutting a 28-point deficit down to 12 at one point, but the Pacers were never in danger of actually losing. It will be interesting, though, to see if some of the success the Bucks had with their small-ball approach in the fourth is replicable as the series goes along. 

Pascal Siakam had 25 points to lead the way for the Pacers in the scoring department, but it was a true team effort as they had six players in double figures and nine players with at least six points. Even with a cold stretch in the fourth quarter, the Pacers shot 51.9% from the field. 

If there's any good news for the Bucks, it's that Damian Lillard could be back as soon as Game 2, per CBS Sports' Bill Reiter. Lillard hasn't played since mid-March due to a blood clot, but has been cleared to resume basketball activities and is ramping up toward a return. At worst, Lillard is expected to be back by Game 3. 

[Apr 19, 2025 at 2:18 pm ET · Jack Maloney]

Halftime: Pacers 67 -- Bucks 43

It's been all Pacers in the first half. They're getting whatever they want on the offensive end and closed the first half on an extended 22-7 run to pull away. It's going to be very difficult for the Bucks to stage a second-half comeback without Damian Lillard. Giannis Antetokounmpo has 19 points on 7 of 11 from the field, but no one else on the Bucks has more than six points. 

The Pacers, meanwhile, have three scorers in double figures, including Andrew Nembhard, who is leading the way with 15. They're shooting 61% from the field overall, and are 13 of 16 (81.3%) in the paint. Myles Turner's huge slam off a feed from Nembhard highlighted their rampant rim attack. 

[Apr 19, 2025 at 1:29 pm ET · Jack Maloney]

Giannis feasting in the paint

The Pacers have no answer for Giannis around the basket. The two-time MVP is 4 of 5 from the field, with all of his makes coming in the paint, and has already gotten to the free throw line for six free throws. He's been a one-man show, though, accounting for 12 of the Bucks' 19 points. 

[Apr 19, 2025 at 12:57 pm ET · Jack Maloney]

Bucks' Lillard out for Game 1, expected back for Game 2 or 3

Damian Lillard will not play on Saturday in Game 1 of this series, but the Bucks could have him back in the lineup by Game 2 or 3, per Bill Reiter. Lillard has not played since March 18 due to a blood clot in his calf. He was able to make a "historic" recovery thanks to early detection and treatment. 

His return will be a big boost for a Bucks team that has been devastated by injuries in the playoffs in recent years and is trying to get out of the first round for the first time since 2022. 

Damian Lillard injury update: Bucks star (blood clot) expected to return in Game 2 or 3 vs. Pacers

Jasmyn Wimbish

[Apr 19, 2025 at 10:28 am ET · Aaron Gray]

Best bets for Saturday's Game 1

NBA playoffs odds, picks: Pistons contain Jalen Brunson, Luka Dončić hunts Rudy Gobert as Lakers cover at home

Sam Quinn