The Milwaukee Bucks will look to even their first-round playoff series with the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is once again at the center of their hopes.
After delivering a dominant performance in Game 1 despite the team’s overall struggles, Antetokounmpo will need to replicate that level of production—and more—for the Bucks to avoid a 2-0 series hole.
Antetokounmpo finished Game 1 with 36 points and 12 rebounds. He was the Bucks’ only consistent source of offense, as the rest of the starting lineup combined to score just 14 points on 5-of-20 shooting in the 117-98 loss.
Here is the featured Giannis Antetokounmpo prop bet on DraftKings Sportsbook for Game 2.
Best Giannis Antetokounmpo Prop Bet
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 31.5 Points (-110)
With the Bucks facing a 1-0 deficit in the series, Antetokounmpo will maintain high usage in Game 2. That will even be the case with the return of Damian Lillard (blood clot), who might not be at full effectiveness, as he hasn’t appeared in a game since March 18.
Even in a blowout loss, Antetokounmpo continued to show why he’s one of the league’s most unstoppable forces, shooting 13-of-22 from the field and scoring 25 of his 36 points in the second half.
His second-half production could be a promising sign for bettors heading into Game 2, particularly if Milwaukee can keep the game closer and give Antetokounmpo more meaningful fourth-quarter minutes.
“It wasn’t us,” Antetokounmpo said after the loss. “I think we’re gonna be better. In the second half, we were better. Hopefully, we can carry over to the next game and do what we do.”
Indiana had no answer for him in the paint, and the Pacers’ defense is unlikely to find one suddenly. Milwaukee’s outside shooting faltered badly (9-of-37 from three-point range), which should shift even more of the offensive burden onto Antetokounmpo’s shoulders.
Even with Lillard available, the Bucks will continue leaning on Antetokounmpo as their primary option, especially in a must-win scenario. Expect the two-time MVP to attack early and often as Milwaukee attempts to flip the series.
