Despite a lot of bad blood, there weren’t many signs the Milwaukee Bucks could make this a close series through the first two contests, but they pegged back in Game 3, and Giannis Antetokounmpo & Co. can level things up tonight.
With role players making huge contributions — not least Gary Trent Jr., who drilled nine 3-pointers on Friday — the Pacers vs. Bucks props market is deeper than usual, and point guard star power doesn’t get much better than Tyrese Haliburton vs Damian Lillard.
Check out my three favorite NBA picks for this April 27 clash, and be sure to check out our full Pacers vs. Bucks predictions.
Best Pacers vs Bucks props
-
Haliburton o18.5 pts (-110) -
Portis dbl-dbl (+155) - Toppin o7.5 pts (-110)
Pacers vs Bucks player props for April 27
Tyrese Haliburton Over 18.5 points (-110 at bet365)
We reach a point in every NBA series where the best player has to elevate his game, and that’s where we are with Tyrese Haliburton tonight. His playmaking has been consistently elite — 34 assists through three games — but he’s only flickered as a scorer, averaging 15 points per game on 37% shooting.
That needs to change for the Pacers in Game 4, particularly with favourable matchups to exploit against Damian Lillard, Gary Trent Jr., and any other Milwaukee defender not named Giannis. Haliburton looked more comfortable from beyond the arc in Friday’s loss, making four of his nine attempts, but he only took 11 shots overall.
Look for Haliburton to get the memo and go on the attack early, just as he did in the March meeting between these teams, where he dropped 24 points.
Bobby Portis double double (+155 at bet365)
This longer shot is a nod to Bobby Portis’ growing importance in this series as a bouncier frontcourt option for Doc Rivers. With the Bucks cutting back Brook Lopez’s minutes, Portis brings the athleticism to keep up with Indiana’s fast-paced style.
He logged 32 minutes in Game 3, finishing with 10 points and eight rebounds, on the heels of a 28-point, 12-board effort in Game 2. With a double-double in three of his last six contests, at times in a smaller role, this prop offers real value.
Portis’ scoring should be a formality for this pick. He’s had 10+ points in five of his last six outings, even with some struggles from beyond the arc, and Milwaukee will send out some lineups where Portis is one of the more accomplished bucket-getters.
So it’s the rebounds that will likely tip the scales here, and Portis won’t be shy about challenging Siakam and Myles Turner. The Pacers have attempted 90 shots in both of the last two games, and that feels like a formula for a busy day on the boards.
Obi Toppin Over 7.5 points (-110 at bet365)
Continuing the theme of steady bench play, I’m also jumping on this Over for the Obi Toppin points prop in Game 4. He’s become a key backup for Rick Carlisle behind Siakam and Turner, and he served up 10 points on 4-for-9 shooting in Friday’s loss.
Toppin’s numbers have been more erratic this month, but there was a lot to like in his March production, including 11.9 ppg on 56% shooting, and he’s got the hops to punish the Bucks in transition.
Guarding Giannis takes a toll on any frontcourt, and Toppin could even see a spike in minutes if the Pacers run into foul trouble in that matchup. Carlisle may also give his second unit a slightly longer leash here with only one day off after Game 3.
When it comes to X-factors for Indiana, Toppin has to be high on the list, particularly after splashing at least five long balls three times last month, and I see him getting enough good looks to cash this prop.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
