INDIANAPOLIS -- With the NBA playoffs fast approaching, the Indiana Pacers are gearing up for a pivotal match against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 11, 2025, focusing on their standing within the conference.
Set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, this game holds significant playoff ramifications for both teams. Currently, the Pacers sit at 35-28, just one game behind the fourth-seeded Bucks (36-27) and tied with the Detroit Pistons. A victory would allow Indiana to draw even with Milwaukee, adding even more importance to the contest.
The Pacers enter this matchup slightly on the back foot, having lost three consecutive games. Most recently, their streak of defeats has coincided with the absence of star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who missed the last three games due to hip issues. Fortunately, Haliburton has been cleared to play tonight, which can certainly bolster Indiana's chances. His stats before injury—18.5 points, 8.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game—paint him as one of the team's key assets. "During the season, we’ve had our ups and downs, but we’re focused on tonight’s game," said Pacers head coach, emphasizing the necessity of bouncing back against heavily-favored opponents.
Although the Pacers are hoping for Haliburton's energizing presence, their task is steep. The Bucks have faced their share of challenges recently, including back-to-back losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic. Despite these setbacks, the Bucks flaunt impressive individual performances, particularly from their star forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has averaged 30.9 points per game—second highest in the NBA—alongside 12.0 rebounds. "Giannis is averaging 30.9 points per game, which puts him near the top of scoring leaders," noted one NBA analyst.
Milwaukee’s roster, currently full of talent, features other notable contributors, including Damian Lillard, who is also putting up solid numbers at 25.5 points and 7.1 assists per game. For their part, the Bucks won the earlier matchups against the Pacers by 12 and 8 points, both victories occurring prior to 2025.
One significant element to note leading up to this encounter is the injury report. The Bucks are managing a few key player injuries, including Bobby Portis (suspended) and Chris Livingston (illness), but are boosted by Antetokounmpo’s and Lillard’s availability. Meanwhile, Indiana’s other injury concerns include T.J. McConnell and Isaiah Jackson, sending ripples across the lineup. McConnell is listed as available, having recovered swiftly from his recent ankle injury.
The stakes could not be higher; the upcoming game stands to influence future playoff matchups. The No. 4 seed, currently held by the Bucks, would grant home court advantage for the first round—something both franchises highly covet. The significance multiplies as the Pacers will also meet the Bucks again on March 15 for their final head-to-head clash of the season. With playoff positioning on the line, this matchup is shaping up to be nothing short of thrilling.
For viewers wanting to catch the action, the game will be broadcast nationally across TNT and truTV, with various streaming options available, including DirecTV Stream and Sling.
Overall, as fans hyped for the playoffs buzz around the arena, this game could very well be the turning point the Pacers need to reclaim their momentum and push for the postseason. With so many individual player storylines interwoven, and the metrics highlighting the competitiveness, it’s clear the evening promises to be unforgettable for Indiana basketball.