The Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers have a heated rivalry, intensified by recent playoff encounters and off-court drama. Last season, the Bucks fell to a depleted Pacers team in the first round, and tensions have remained high since. Key moments from their recent history include several ejections and technical fouls during their playoff series, notably involving Bobby Portis and Patrick Beverley. The Bucks faced controversy when Beverley threw a ball into the stands, sparking legal challenges.

During the regular season, even Giannis Antetokounmpo's impressive triple-double could not secure a win against the Pacers, who continue to showcase a competitive edge. A notable incident occurred when Antetokounmpo attempted to retrieve his record-setting game ball after scoring 64 points, only for the Pacers to claim it, leading to speculation about the ball’s significance in their rivalry. Both teams are gearing up for another intense playoff showdown, and the stakes could not be higher.