Giannis Antetokounmpo will have to hold up an even bigger load for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Now, without star guard Damian Lillard, who tore his Achilles in Game 4 and will miss the remainder of the playoffs and beyond, expect the Greek Freak to be forced to shoulder an even bigger load on Tuesday.
The former NBA MVP is averaging 33.8 points per game on a ridiculous 62.2 percent shooting while averaging 14.3 boards a game.
His offensive dominance against Indiana should come as no surprise given his recent history against the franchise.
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In 12 games against the Pacers overall over the past two seasons, Antetokounmpo is averaging 36.5 points on 66.8 percent shooting.
That stretch includes a ridiculous 54-point game in November 2023 and a 64-point game a month later.
The Pacers did a better job of holding Antetokounmpo in check in Game 4, with just 45 percent shooting from the field on 20 shots.
It’s hard to expect Antetokounmpo to be held down that way going forward, though.
While the Pacers have the upper hand in the series thanks to the Bucks’ underwhelming rotation, it doesn’t appear that Indiana has the goods to slow down Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo has had at least 12 rebounds in every game this series, and I’d expect him to come out like a man possessed on Tuesday with his running mate, LIllard, out indefinitely.
Bet the Greek Freak to have his way with the Pacers once again.
The play: Giannis Antetokounmpo to score 35 or more points (+120, BetMGM Sportsbook)
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Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.