The Indiana Pacers face the Milwaukee Bucks in the first-round playoff series without Giannis Antetokounmpo, a significant blow to the Bucks' strength as highlighted by Pacers' coach Rick Carlisle. Carlisle emphasizes Bobby Portis as a major threat in Giannis' absence, commending his recent stellar performance in stepping up for the team.

By the Numbers
  • Portis averaged 17.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks in the last three regular-season games.
  • Portis is shooting 70% from 3-point range in his last five games and 83.3% from beyond the arc.
Yes, But

The absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo significantly alters the dynamics of the Bucks, making them a different team to contend with, even with Portis' impressive performances.

State of Play
  • The Pacers are preparing to face a Giannis-less Bucks in the playoff opener.
  • Bobby Portis has emerged as a standout player for the Bucks due to Giannis' injury.
What's Next

The Pacers will focus on strategizing to counter Bobby Portis' impact in the absence of Giannis, aiming to capitalize on this potential weakness in the Bucks' lineup.

Bottom Line

The Bucks' playoff series against the Pacers takes a turn with Giannis Antetokounmpo's potential absence, showcasing Bobby Portis as a key threat to Indiana's strategy, necessitating a tailored approach to face this altered Bucks lineup.