Bucks vs. Pacers odds, score prediction, time, line: 2024 NBA playoff picks, Game 1 best bets by proven model

The No. 3 seed Milwaukee Bucks and the No. 6 seed Indiana Pacers collide for Game 1 of their first-round series on Sunday. The Bucks stumbled into the 2024 NBA playoffs, dropping six of their last eight games. Meanwhile, Indiana won four of its past five matchups. On April 14, the Pacers blew out the Atlanta Hawks 157-115. Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is not expected to suit up for Sunday's showdown.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Indiana is the 1-point favorite in the latest Pacers vs. Bucks odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 231.5. Before making any Bucks vs. Pacers picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine .

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters the 2024 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 88-58 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $2,600. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Bucks vs. Pacers and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks . Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Pacers vs. Bucks:

• Pacers vs. Bucks spread: Indiana -1
• Pacers vs. Bucks over/under: 231.5 points
• Pacers vs. Bucks money line: Indiana -120, Milwaukee +100
• IND: The Pacers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games against Milwaukee
• MIL: The Bucks are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games
• Pacers vs. Bucks picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Bucks can cover

With Antetokounmpo missing this contest, the Bucks will need to have multiple other players step up. Guard Damian Lillard will be one who can produce on the offensive end of the floor. Lillard is a reliable scorer from any spot on the court while being a smooth floor general. The 33-year-old logged 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and seven assists per game. On April 10 against the Orlando Magic, Lillard finished with 29 points, six boards, and nine assists.

Forward Bobby Portis is a difference-maker in the frontcourt. Portis has an effective jumper that allows him to space the floor. The Arkansas product crashes the glass but looks to score when he has the basketball. Portis averaged 13.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and shot 50% from the field. In his last game, he totaled 17 points and 10 boards. See which team to pick here .

Why the Pacers can cover

Guard Tyrese Haliburton provides Indiana with a dominant floor general. Haliburton (6-foot-5) has long arms and uses his height to his advantage when he scans the floor. The Iowa State product likes to push the tempo and will knock down perimeter shots with ease. The 24-year-old was first in the NBA in assists (10.9) to go along with 20.1 points per game. He recorded 44 double-doubles this season.

Forward Pascal Siakam came over mid-season and has given the Pacers a nice boost. Siakam is relentless when attacking the paint and uses a clean spin move to create space consistently. The New Mexico State product also plays tough defense. Siakam logged 21.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. In the season finale against the Raptors , the 28-year-old had 28 points and six boards. See which team to pick here .

How to make Pacers vs. Bucks picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 233 points. The model also says one side hits in well over 50% of simulations. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine .

So who wins Bucks vs. Pacers, and which side hits in well over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread to jump on, all from the advanced model that has returned more than $2,600 on its NBA picks this season , and find out.