The Milwaukee Bucks return to their home floor for Game 5 in their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers down 3-1, which means they are facing elimination from the 2024 NBA Playoffs Tuesday. The Bucks have dealt with significant absences this postseason, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard being the biggest names to appear on the injury report. Antetokounmpo continues to battle a calf strain while Lillard is dealing with an Achilles strain. Here’s the latest on their statuses for Game 5.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard injury updates
Update: After waiting for most of the day without any change in status for either player, the Bucks have finally ruled out Antetokounmpo and Lillard out for Game 5.
The original reporting surrounding Antetokounmpo’s injury was that he’d be ready by the back end of the series, which many felt Game 5 could qualify as. The Bucks being down 3-1 could’ve also been a determining factor for the Greek Freak to return. However, he’s officially been listed as doubtful for this contest. Lillard, who suffered his injury in Game 3 and then played the remainder of the contest, is also considered doubtful.
That Game 3 result looms large for the Bucks now. Had they been able to grab a win and go up 2-1 in the series at that stage, they could’ve given Antetokounmpo an additional day or two to recover and potentially play. It seems like Lillard won’t make a return to the court this series regardless of what happens, but Antetokounmpo could still come back if the Bucks manage to win Game 5.
With both stars out, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez will be the focal points offensively for Milwaukee. Bobby Portis will look to bounce back after getting ejected in the first quarter of Game 4 and costing his team dearly. Malik Beasley will also be asked to contribute offensively.