The Pacers, who knocked the Bucks out last year, entered the series as the higher seed and the favorite this year against their Central Division rival. Indiana shook off a slow start to finish 50-32 and earn the East's No. 4 seed this season. Game 2 is set for Tuesday night.

But Damian Lillard's return wasn't enough for a Milwaukee win as the Pacers held off a late Bucks rally for a 123-115 win. The Bucks mounted a 13-0 fourth-quarter rally to cut a 115-100 Pacers lead to two points. But the Pacers regained their composure to hold on for the win. The series now shifts to Milwaukee with the Pacers holding a 2-0 lead.

The Pacers and Bucks aren't known to like each other at any time. Now they're in the heat of the NBA playoffs.