Well, the regular season is through, and all the eyes are now on the NBA playoffs. All the hard work and sweat have led to a slow buildup, and it’s only a matter of time before we find the team to take the throne. The stakes are high, and among the contenders, the Milwaukee Bucks stand out. As Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to pour his all to secure his second NBA championship, there’s another test in their battle for the top: the Indiana Pacers. And let’s just say that greats like Magic Johnson are making their odds known before the game.

Prior to the game, the 30-year-old shared his thoughts on the upcoming challenge, “We gotta do a better job just communicating, getting back. And then, when we get back, identify where the ball is… If we do those things, we put ourselves in a better position to be successful.” His leadership will be key as Milwaukee looks to execute a strong defensive game plan against the Pacers’ fast-paced offense, which gave them trouble last season.

The Indiana Pacers took Milwaukee in six games a year ago, putting up a win of 4-2 in the series. And they managed to eliminate Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. But there’s a catch:. The Greek Freak was not available for the entire series. However, this time around, he is all fired up to go and is fully healthy. Will the Bucks be able to achieve a different result than last time?

Well, they certainly got one vote of confidence. Not long ago, Magic Johnson had been vocal in his support of the Pacers, predicting their success over the Bucks. His views shifted dramatically, though, when he shared his confidence in Giannis’ ability to carry the Bucks through this series. Taking to X, the 65-year-old wrote, “I changed my mind, I think Giannis Antetokounmpo will put the Milwaukee Bucks on his back and lead them to victory over the Indiana Pacers!”

Giannis’ incredible performances this season have certainly made a strong case for that, with many seeing him as the focal point of Milwaukee’s success moving forward. After all, the power forward has managed to average 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists through the regular season.

But let’s circle back a little. Johnson wasn’t always on board. In fact, just yesterday he tweeted, “Second, the Pacers and Bucks played against each other in the Playoffs last season and know each other very well. The Pacers won that series 4-2.” He even added, “We know that Giannis will definitely be the best player in this series but he’s going to need plenty of help from Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez, and Kyle Kuzma.”

The Lakers legend acknowledged that Giannis would undoubtedly be the top performer in the series, but stressed he can’t do it alone. As for the Pacers, he said Tyrese Haliburton needs to rack up assists and nearly average a triple-double, while getting solid support from Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner. Without Lillard, Johnson leaned toward Indiana. But hey, there’s an update on that front as well.

The comeback clock is ticking: Will Dame Time strike in the playoffs?

When Damian Lillard was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in late March, the shock was real. Fans feared the worst. Could this be the end of Dame’s season, or worse, his career? It’s not every day you hear about a player being sidelined by a serious medical issue and bouncing back this fast. And might we say that it’s just in time for the playoffs?

The 34-year-old is off blood thinners and cleared for full basketball activity. That’s massive news for Milwaukee. He won’t play in Game 1 against the Pacers, but hope is alive. The Bucks, seeded fifth in the East, face Indiana in a tight matchup where every possession matters. Having Dame back could swing the balance. But when will he be ready to return?

Doc Rivers didn’t hold back on Thursday when asked about Dame’s condition. He said, “Today, he did everything. There’s no limitations at all.” The only concerns now are Lillard’s timing, rhythm, and cardio. But in terms of what his body can handle, he’s good to go. That’s a major shift from just a few weeks ago when his future looked uncertain.

Rivers admitted just how serious things had gotten. He said the situation “could have been career-threatening,” and called Lillard’s recovery “a godsend.” That says it all. From being ruled out indefinitely to possibly returning during the playoffs? That’s not just luck—it’s determination. It’s classic Dame Time, just off the court.

And if you ask Udonis Haslem, it’s a game-changer. He said, “This is one of the best closers in the game. It’s Dame Time. Down the stretch, they have a guy they can go to, besides just Giannis.” And he’s right. With Giannis already carrying a heavy load, Lillard’s return could be the x-factor. So here’s the question: Can the Bucks survive long enough for Dame to take the floor?