Best NBA prop bets today for Pacers vs. Bucks for Game 1 of Eastern Conference Playoffs

The Milwaukee Bucks are likely down Giannis Antetokounmpo for Game 1 of the first round against the Indiana Pacers. 

This is going to be tough for Milwaukee, who is 4-5 straight up without Giannis, so why don’t we look to the prop market for ways to back the Bucks in this one?

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Here are two players to target on Sunday night: 

Pacers vs. Bucks best NBA prop bets 

• Bobby Portis OVER 17.5 points
• Khris Middleton OVER 12.5 rebounds and assists 

Bobby Portis OVER 17.5 points

Bobby Portis has thrived for the Bucks when Antetokounmpo sits this season, so he could be in line for an expanded role on Sunday. 

This season, Portis is averaging 20.8 points, 10.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists in nine games without Giannis, clearing 17.5 points six times. Two of the games he failed to clear this number were the last two games of the regular season that Milwaukee mailed in with blowout losses. 

I expect BP to eat against an Indiana team that allows 58.4 points per game in the paint this season – the most in the NBA. 

With Giannis likely out, it’ll be on Portis and Khris Middleton to really step up and give Damian Lillard the support he needs on offense. Given Portis’ usage as of late (18 or more shots in five of his last seven without Giannis), I expect him to have a big game. 

Khris Middleton OVER 12.5 rebounds and assists 

I mentioned Middleton as a player that needs to step up, but the scoring department may not be where you need to look. 

Since returning to the lineup on March 17, Middleton is averaging 6.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game, clearing 12.5 rebounds and assists in six of 12 matchups. 

I expect Middleton’s usage to skyrocket without Antetokounmpo out, which should help him clear this number. It’s also worth noting these numbers are deflated after he played sparingly (compared to normal) in the team’s final two games of the regular season.

Since Indiana plays at a fast pace, there should be more possessions for rebounds and assists for Middleton tonight.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.