Having just defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 123-115, the Indiana Pacers have further pulled ahead in their series in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Despite Indiana winning the first two games, this is still expected to be a tight series due to the teams' rivalry and Milwaukee guard Damian Lillard returning from injury to aid forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The action shifts to Milwaukee and the pressure mounts on the Bucks to gain ground trailing the Indiana Pacers, 2-0, going into Game 3 of their NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs series.

Haliburton and Bucks guard Damian Lillard have jawed with each other during each of the first two games, even with the latter sitting out the opener while still recovering from a blood clot in his calf. Lillard returned to the lineup and scored 14 points in 37 minutes in Game 2.