Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight? Game 1 TV channel, live stream, start time for Bucks vs. Pacers

Kyle Irving

Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight? Game 1 TV channel, live stream, start time for Bucks vs. Pacers image

The Bucks' title hopes took a significant blow in one of their final regular-season games.

MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo went down with a non-contact calf injury on April 9 and missed the last three games of the season. The injury is expected to keep the star forward sidelined for the start of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Pacers.

Any absence would be significant for a Bucks team with championship-or-bust expectations. Antetokounmpo has, of course, been crucial to their success, averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game this season.

Will Antetokounmpo be available for Game 1 against the Pacers? The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates below.

NOH: How does Antetokounmpo's injury affect Bucks' series vs. Pacers?

Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight?

The Bucks have not released their official injury report for Game 1, but Antetokounmpo is not expected to play.

Earlier this week, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Milwaukee will be without Antetokounmpo "for the start" of the team's first-round series against the Pacers, but is hopeful he can return "sometime later in the series."

If the star forward cannot go for Game 1, his next opportunity to suit up will be Tuesday, April 23 for Game 2. 

Antetokounmpo missed nine games this season. The Bucks owned a 4-5 record in those games.

Check back for updates on his status as they become available.

MORE: NBA Playoffs predictions 2024: Steph Noh's expert postseason bracket picks

What channel is Bucks vs. Pacers?

  • Date: Sunday, April 21
  • TV channel: TNT
  • Live streaming: Sling TV

The Bucks and Pacers will face off for Game 1 on Sunday, April 21. The game will air on TNT. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling TV.

Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV. Sling is the home for avid sports fans offering a range of sports channels so you can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.

What time is Bucks vs. Pacers tonight?

  • Date: Sunday, April 21
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET | 4:00 p.m. PT

Sunday's playoff game between the Bucks and Pacers is scheduled to tip off around 7 p.m. ET from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

Bucks vs. Pacers schedule, TV channels

The first-round series between the Bucks and Pacers will be broadcast on TNT, NBA TV and ESPN. Fans in the U.S. can also stream the series on Sling TV. 

Sling is the home for avid sports fans offering a range of sports channels so you can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.

Date Game Time (ET) TV/Live stream
Sunday, April 21 Game 1 at Bucks 7 p.m. TNT, Sling
Tuesday, April 23 Game 2 at Bucks 8:30 p.m. NBA TV, Sling
Friday, April 26 Game 3 at Pacers 5:30 p.m. ESPN, Sling
Sunday, April 28 Game 4 at Pacers 7 p.m. TNT, Sling
Tuesday, April 30 Game 5 at Bucks* TBD TBD
Thursday, May 2 Game 6 at Pacers* TBD TBD
Saturday, May 4 Game 7 at Bucks* TBD TNT, Sling

*If necessary

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.