The Milwaukee Bucks face a do-or-die challenge when they come home to Fiserv Forum for Game 3 of their first-round series with the Indiana Pacers.
Trailing 0–2, Milwaukee desperately needs to win, not just to stay alive but to shift the momentum of what’s been a surprisingly one-sided start to the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Giannis and Lillard: The Duo Under Pressure
Let’s be clear—Giannis Antetokounmpo has been playing like a man possessed. In Game 2, he exploded for 34 points, 18 boards, and 7 assists. That’s MVP-level stuff. But the Bucks still came up short, falling 123–115 after a miserable defense showdown with 19 turnovers.
Damian Lillard made his much-needed return and put in work, but rust was visible. And it didn’t help that Indiana played with surgical precision, capitalizing on every mistake and keeping Milwaukee off balance for most of the game.
Time to Tighten the Screws—Especially on Defence
Here’s the reality: the Bucks’ defense has looked soft. Pacers forward Pascal Siakam has been doing whatever he wants, while Tyrese Haliburton has been slicing through the defense like a hot knife through cheese curds.
Then there’s Kyle Kuzma, acquired in a trade for Khris Middleton. So far? Not great. In Game 1, Kuzma didn’t register a single point, rebound, or assist in over 21 minutes. Bucks fans are hoping he finds his groove fast, because they’ll need every bit of his scoring punch.
Home Court Hype: Can the Forum Fuel a Comeback?
Milwaukee isn’t new to this. They’ve stared down adversity before, and more often than not, they rise. Now back on their own hardwood at Fiserv Forum, the Bucks are counting on the crowd to inject energy and urgency into their play.
A Game 3 win won’t just keep their hopes alive, it might swing the momentum of the entire series. Lose again, and the “what happened to the Bucks?” talk becomes deafening.
The Matchup tips off Friday, April 25 at 8 PM ET—airing on TSN and NBA TV.
For More NBA Playoff action here via TSN’s full preview
Track playoff updates and draft prospects at the official NBA Draft Hub
