The Indiana Pacers have the Milwaukee Bucks gasping for air like it’s the 4th OT and they’ve got no subs left. Down 3–1, Milwaukee’s heading into Game 5 with its season on the line—and let’s be honest, Indiana doesn’t look like they’re breaking a sweat.

Sunday’s 129–103 beatdown wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. A “we don’t even need everyone healthy to cook you” type of flex. And now, heading into Tuesday’s potential closeout, one big question looms: Will the Pacers have their full squad for the kill shot?

Spoiler Alert! Even if they don’t, they might not need it.

Is Tyrese Haliburton playing tonight?

Yep, according to ESPN. And he’s been out here looking like a midwest Magic Johnson.

No injury tag, no excuses—Tyrese Haliburton is good to go for Game 5. In Game 4, he casually put up 17 points, 15 assists, 8 rebounds, and didn’t turn the ball over once. Zero. Zilch. Nada. That’s a stat line you frame and hang on the wall.

He played with his food all night. The Bucks tried everyone short of Kareem to slow him down, and nothing worked. If Milwaukee thought Damian’s injury was their biggest problem, Haliburton’s about to make sure it’s not their only one.

Is Bennedict Mathurin playing tonight?

Still TBD. He missed Game 4 with an abdominal bruise and is listed as questionable again. But honestly? Indiana didn’t miss a beat without him.

Eight dudes hit double digits last game. EIGHT. Carlisle’s system is moving like clockwork even without one of their most electric young scorers. But don’t get it twisted—if Bennedict Mathurin’s ready, that’s another problem for Milwaukee to solve. He’s a walking drive-and-kick, midrange pull-up and flex-to-the-bench energy boost waiting to happen.

Even at 80%, Mathurin adds sauce to a team that’s already dripping confidence.

Is Pascal Siakam playing tonight?

Oh, he’s playing—and doing all the boring stuff that wins playoff games.

Siakam dropped a quiet 12 on 50% shooting in under 30 minutes. Grabbed some boards, switched onto guards, made smart passes. Nothing flashy. Just grown-man basketball.

He doesn’t need to dominate. He just needs to be the steady hand while the young guns run wild. Every championship run needs a Siakam type. Right now, Indiana’s got one while Milwaukee’s over here wondering what era they’re even playing in.

Indiana Pacers Depth Chart vs Bucks

With Haliburton stirring the pot, Siakam steady in the trenches, and Mathurin maybe on deck, Indiana doesn’t just look deep—they are deep.

Milwaukee came in thinking talent would carry them. Indiana showed up with a full-blown platoon. No one’s playing hero ball. Everyone’s eating. And Rick Carlisle’s got this squad so synced up, they look like they’ve been hooping together since AAU.

Let’s check the receipts:

Oh, you see Aaron Nesmith listed as day-to-day? Don’t sweat it—he’s probable, and at this point, what we’ve learned about the Pacers is that “probable” is basically a guarantee. The guy’s been solid for Indiana, and there’s a 95% chance he’ll suit up for Game 5. But let’s not get sidetracked with injuries—let’s talk about how Indiana’s been taking the Bucks to school.

Let’s keep it real—Indiana isn’t winning because they’ve got the better stars. They’re winning because they’ve got the better structure. Haliburton was surgical in Game 4, McConnell came in like a caffeinated bulldog with 12 points and 8 assists, and Carlisle’s got guys like Obi Toppin dunking on heads like it’s a Summer League showcase. He gave them 18 off the bench. Jarace Walker played real, meaningful minutes. These aren’t garbage-time stats. These are role guys playing with poise, purpose, and pace.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee is in shambles. Giannis had 28 points but still finished -28. Damian Lillard? Zero points before exiting with a torn ACL (God please give this guy some rest). Kevin Porter Jr.? He got buckets (23), but also got cooked (-16). That’s box score bait. It looks good, but it’s empty calories.

Indiana shot over 60% from the field, dished out 36 assists, and coughed the ball up only seven times. That’s not a fluke. That’s a team that knows exactly who they are. If Mathurin plays? Cool, more firepower. If not? No problem. The Pacers are winning with scheme, confidence, and depth. Milwaukee’s still searching for answers—and they might not have time to find them.

One more game, and it’s vacation time for the Bucks. Pack light. Indiana’s already halfway out the door.