It’s official. The Milwaukee Bucks are in legitimate danger of missing their two best players in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard due to injuries.
While Antetokounmpo has yet to suit up in the 2024 postseason, Lillard could join him in the sidelines after his recent health scare in Game 3.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Injury Report: Is Damian Lillard Playing?
Apr 7, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) puts up a shot against New York Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
In the latest injury report, Lillard was listed as doubtful for the game due to a right Achilles tendinitis. Antetokounmpo, who has been sidelined for the last three games of the Bucks’ regular season and throughout the playoffs so far, also has the same injury designation.
As NBA fans would know, a doubtful label isn’t exactly encouraging. While there is some hope that a player could play, being doubtful usually often ends up to the player being sidelined.
With that being said, it might be safer for the Bucks faithful to assume that both Lillard and Antetokounmpo won’t be present when they play the Indiana Pacers on the road in Game 4.
The problem for the Bucks is their next best player after the duo, Khris Middleton, also landed on the injury report. While Middleton is listed as probable–which means there’s a big chance that he will play–the fact that he’s dealing with a health setback (right ankle sprain) isn’t good at all. That means there’s a possibility that he isn’t 100 percent even if he plays.
Apr 7, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) drives against New York Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Of course nothing is final yet and there’s still a chance, even how little it may be, that Lillard or Antetokounmpo suit up in Game 4 on Sunday. But in the high likelihood that they do not, it remains to be seen how Doc Rivers will utilize his squad.
What Happened To Milwaukee Bucks Star Damian Lillard?
Apr 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) defends during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
For those who missed it, Damian Lillard sustained a couple of injuries during Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers. In the first quarter of the said showdown, the Milwaukee Bucks star had to exit due to what appeared to be an ankle injury.
Lillard was able to return after that and seemed to be doing well. But in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter, he re-aggravated his right Achilles injury. While Lillard was able to tolerate the pain and play in the overtime period of the eventual 121-118 loss, he was non-impactful at all.
Dame Time didn’t show up and didn’t score a point in the extra period. He didn’t even take a shot during that span. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers admitted after the game that Lillard was not right and admitted that he doesn’t have the explosiveness to attack the basket.
While Lillard himself said postgame that he will do his best to play in Game 4, it’s looking more than likely that he he sits out this one.
The Bucks are trailing the Pacers 2-1, and if they were to lose in Game 4, they will be in such a difficult spot.
Apr 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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