The Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks prepare for a critical Game 4 clash at Fiserv Forum on April 27, 2025, with the Pacers holding a narrow 2–1 series advantage but the Bucks having regained momentum following a dominant 117–101 victory in Game 3. After falling into a 0–2 hole on the road, Milwaukee responded emphatically behind another monster performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose relentless energy, interior dominance, and leadership have kept the Bucks’ championship hopes alive despite the continued absence of Damian Lillard due to injury. Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr. stepped up in Lillard’s absence, providing much-needed secondary scoring and defensive resistance, while the Bucks’ bench, led by Bobby Portis and Kevin Porter Jr., delivered timely hustle plays that helped swing the momentum firmly in Milwaukee’s favor. Head coach Doc Rivers emphasized a return to defensive fundamentals in Game 3, and the Bucks responded by closing down the Pacers’ transition opportunities, contesting perimeter shots more effectively, and controlling the glass. Meanwhile, the Pacers will look to reset and refocus after struggling to match Milwaukee’s heightened physicality and energy; Tyrese Haliburton continues to orchestrate Indiana’s offense with his elite vision and quickness, but he will need to be more aggressive looking for his own shot to help counter Milwaukee’s switching defensive schemes. Pascal Siakam remains a critical factor for the Pacers with his versatility inside and out, but Indiana’s supporting cast, including Myles Turner, Bennedict Mathurin, and Andrew Nembhard, must offer more consistency on both ends if they hope to steal another game on the road.

The series has grown increasingly physical and tense, with multiple technical fouls and hard fouls highlighting the rising stakes and animosity between the teams, and emotions are likely to run high again in Game 4 as both sides battle for control. Special teams factors—three-point shooting efficiency, turnover margin, and rebounding differential—are expected to be decisive once again, particularly with Milwaukee’s home crowd ready to provide a boost whenever the Bucks generate momentum swings. For the Pacers, regaining pace, spacing the floor more effectively, and getting Haliburton back into rhythm as both a scorer and facilitator will be key, while Milwaukee’s formula remains clear: ride Giannis’ brilliance, force the Pacers into half-court sets, and capitalize on the size and strength advantages they have around the rim. A Bucks victory would even the series at 2–2 and fully reframe the narrative ahead of a crucial Game 5 in Indiana, while a Pacers win would put Milwaukee on the brink of elimination and validate Indiana’s emergence as a dangerous playoff threat. With both teams understanding the magnitude of the moment, expect an intense, physical, and fiercely contested Game 4 where each possession could determine the course of the series.