Bucks vs Pacers: Game 3 Prediction, Odds, Pick (Friday, April 26)

Here's everything you need to know about Bucks vs. Pacers on Friday, April 26 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today's game.

Game 3 of the Bucks-Pacers first round series comes down to one guy: Giannis Antetokounmpo. That's not a surprise given he's arguably the second-best player in the NBA, but his presence — or lack thereof — carries even more weight than the market will account for in this game.

The current line is Pacers -6 with a total of 221.5, with Indiana having taken half a point and the Under having taken 4.5 points since the opening numbers.

Let's break down the Bucks vs Pacers odds and make a Bucks vs Pacers pick.

Antetokounmpo is essential for this series because, as of now, the Bucks have found no answer for Pascal Siakam. He is leading the playoffs in points per game right now, shredding the Bucks' frontcourt to the tune of 36.5 points per game through the first two games.

The Bucks just don't have the personnel to slow down Siakam as is, but Antetokounmpo would be the perfect antidote to Siakam. He can match Siakam in terms of both size and speed, a combo no player on the Bucks roster can at the moment.

That's the reason Antetokounmpo is the massive pivot point for me in this game, as well as the series. Right now, Antetokounmpo is listed as doubtful, but I want to wait until the game is almost literally underway. All sorts of injury nonsense happens in the NBA, and since I am of the belief that Antetokounmpo will matter more to this game than the market will even adjust for, I want the full knowledge of his status before making a bet.

That bet will be on the Pacers, unless Antetokounmpo plays, in which case I will sit out a side.

Indiana had a rough Game 1, but under the hood, it has been the far better team over the first two games. And that has been without much scoring from its best overall player, Tyrese Haliburton.

In fact, I think Haliburton will be fine continuing to be mostly a creator and gravity hub for the Pacers in Game 3, as he has taken only 17 total shots over the first two games of the series. Patrick Beverley was basically created in a lab to make him uncomfortable, and Haliburton is the type of player to never force a shot that isn't there.

Even though I will likely be on Indiana, I like Haliburton under 16.5 points. Ironically, if Antetokounmpo plays, I'll sit this play out, since I think that moves the game script away from another heavy Siakam FGA game.

There's no rush on these plays. Make sure that Antetokounmpo 100% isn't playing, but if he doesn't play, I like Indiana to -8.5 and Haliburton under 16.5 points.

Final note: If you tailed Action contributors on the Indiana series price at +150 or better, take a listen to Friday's Buckets episode for how I will be playing the series line depending on Antetokounmpo news.

Pick: Pacers -6 | Tyrese Haliburton Under 16.5 Points (Dependent on Giannis Antetokounmpo's Status)

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