Will the Bucks be eliminated if they lose game 5 against the Pacers today?

The Indiana Pacers probably weren’t on the list of favorites to make an impact in the NBA this season, but Rick Carlisle’s team had a remarkable regular season and is now going head-to-head with the Milwaukee Bucks to try to advance to the next round.

Indiana, the sixth-best side in the Eastern Conference standings, are dreaming big this term and they will be looking to get as far as they can in the tournament. Can they repeat their best result, in 2000, by becoming the Conference champions or even go all the way and win the NBA Championship?

While it may be too much of an ask for the Pacers to go and win the ring, they have been delivering so far in the postseason. They are leading their first-round series against Milwaukee 3-1. Despite losing the opening game, Indiana recorded a three-match winning streak against Doc River’s men. That means that the two-time NBA champions will be eliminated if they are defeated in Game 5, which will take place at Fiserv Forum.

A tough mission without Antetokounmpo and Lillard

The odds are clearly against the Bucks but they will be playing in front of their fans, who will likely be their sixth man. The only game they won in this series was also held in Milwaukee, so they will be motivated to repeat that performance.

The result of the games between both teams could have been different if Damien Lillard and especially Giannis Antetokounmpo had been healthy. The point guard didn’t play in the last game after hurting his Achilles tendon in Friday night’s loss, while Giannis hasn’t played since April 9 when he strained his left calf.

Antetokounmpo and Lillard are doubtful for tonight’s clash, although it seems unlikely to see them back in action. That’s bad news for the hosts, who will have to deal with Tyrese Halyburton, Myles Turner, and Pascal Siakam’s talent without their two superstars.