The Bucks are back, and the Deer are ready to make their run at the franchise’s third NBA championship all-time as the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, a walking bucket and clutch knock-down shooter Dame Lillard and Milwaukee’s Official Hype Man, Bobby Portis, coming off a Sixth Man of the Year-worthy regular season, the team will kick off their playoff run with a tough test against the Indiana Pacers. As the Bucks begin their chase for a championship for the eighth consecutive season, here’s everything you need to know to plan your playoff experience and make the most of post-season hoops in MKE.
Opponent: Indiana Pacers
A rival on the rise, the Indiana Pacers had the Bucks’ number in the 2023-24 season, going 4-1 against their division opponent. Befitting the team’s name, the Pacers’ quick pace of play gave the Bucks fits during their run-ins throughout the regular season, netting them an average of over 128 points per game. Little needed to be added to this playoff matchup to make it interesting, but wait, there’s more.
Let’s brief the beef. After a contentious Bucks dismantling of the Pacers in December that saw Giannis Antetokounmpo drop a career-high 64 points, Pacers’ players appeared to run off with the game ball. Giannis wanted the ball to commemorate another milestone in his already decorated career. The Pacers were unwilling to part with the souvenir, leading to an extended post-game fracas between the two teams. Giannis eventually got his game ball, but the damage was done, and a rivalry was ignited.
But that was then. This is now. Both teams are dramatically different than they were in those first five meetings. For one, the Bucks had a different head coach, onboarding Doc Rivers around the All-Star break. The Pacers offloaded Buddy Hield to the 76ers, added Doug McDermott, and brought in elite slasher Pascal Siakam to complement the all-star skillset of Wisconsin's own Tyrese Haliburton.
As with all sports, nothing is for certain, but it’s safe to say with this much drama and intensity, you won’t want to miss a second of this series. Don’t drop the ball. Gear up for the playoffs here!
Series Schedule
The first round of the NBA Playoffs is set. Check out the schedule and punch your ticket to Bucks playoff action today! Cheer the Deer here.
Game 1
Date: Sunday, April 21
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
Final: Bucks 109 - Pacers 94
Game 2
Date: Tuesday, April 23
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
Final: Bucks: 108 - Pacers 125
Game 3
Date: Friday, April 26
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Final (2 OT): Bucks 118 - Pacers 121
Game 4
Date: Sunday, April 28
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Final: Bucks 113 - Pacers 126
Game 5
Date: Tuesday, April 30
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
Final: Bucks 115 - Pacers 92
Game 6
Date: Thursday, May 2
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Final: Bucks 98 - Pacers 120
Where to Watch
Of course, the best place to watch this year’s Deer run is in the thick of the action at Fiserv Forum or in the certified playoff-ready atmosphere of Deer District just outside the stadium’s doors. The coursing energy of the stadium and the electricity flowing through the crowd at the outdoor watch party are more than watching Bucks basketball; it’s participating in a rare atmosphere unlike any other in sports.
Inside Deer District, there are plenty of spaces to grab a bite, catch the game or enjoy a celebratory post-game drink, including the brand new The New Fashioned, a touching tribute to Wisconsin, complete with outdoor curling (yes, all year round), bowling, dartball (look it up, it’s fantastic) and a beer wall with 50 local craft beers and sodas. For even more Wisconsin love, next door is Drink Wisconsinbly, a wall-to-wall Sconnie experience, complete with an old fashioned bubbler and mementos from the Badger State everywhere you look. And, if you want to watch the game from every conceivable angle, check out The MECCA Sports Bar & Grill, which will have the game on its humongous 38-foot screen.
Find a Bucks bar near you here.
Book Your Stay
Power your playoff experience with a good night’s sleep at one of the 16,000+ hotels in the Greater Milwaukee area. From The Trade or Aloft, just steps from Deer District, to the Renaissance Milwaukee West in Wauwatosa and unique hotels like The Iron Horse Hotel and Saint Kate—The Arts Hotel, your perfect stay is just a few clicks away.
