On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files podcast, the Pacers won 50 regular-season games to earn the 4-seed in the Eastern Conference and face the Milwaukee Bucks in Round 1 for the second straight year. Bucks beat writer Jim Owczarski joins to preview the series.
Among the items discussed on this episode:
My opening thoughts on the series, which gets the playoffs started
Gold Out, players in white, Adam Silver to be in the building, and a special ESPN pairing for Game 1
Should be a healthy Pacers team, with Ben Sheppard being the one exception
Homecourt advantage — and can the Pacers take Game 1?
12:00 Status of the Bucks entering the postseason
14:43 Health status of Damian Lillard — and whether a return is realistic
22:25 How’s the rest of the team’s health?
23:33 Enlightening conversation on Bobby Portis, who’s dealt with a lot this season
28:40 On Giannis Antetokounmpo playing his best basketball, and the development of his mid-range game
35:15 Bucks changes from last year — and a couple players who will have an influence on the series
REMINDER: I will be hosting a live postgame show on YouTube after every Pacers playoff game.
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