Kofi Inkoom
The Milwaukee Bucks have announced that their star duo, Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, will be sidelined for their crucial NBA playoff game on Sunday.
Lillard underwent an MRI exam on Saturday, revealing a right Achilles tendon injury, making his appearance in game four against the Pacers unlikely.
This setback occurred during the Bucks’ 121-118 overtime loss to the Pacers on Friday, putting Indiana ahead 2-1 in the Eastern Conference first-round series.
Lillard, acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers at the start of the season, boasted averages of 24.3 points and 7.0 assists per game for the Bucks, who struggled with a 1-8 record when he didn’t start.
Despite being an eight-time NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, Lillard never reached the NBA Finals during his 11 seasons with Portland.
Antetokounmpo, the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, has been sidelined since April 9 due to a left calf strain, compounding the Bucks’ challenges.
Bobby Portis should maintain his starting position in place of Antetokounmpo and will have to take on a more significant responsibility on the offensive end, especially with Lillard sidelined for his first playoff game.
Antetokounmpo hasn’t participated in full team practices yet, but he’ll have an opportunity to return in Game 5 on Tuesday. Additionally, Malik Beasley, Andre Jackson, and AJ Green are all potential candidates to step up and contribute more in Lillard’s absence.
With the Pacers currently leading 2-1 in the quarterfinals, a victory tonight against the short-handed Bucks would propel them to a 3-1 advantage as they aim to advance to the next round.
The Pacers had previously ousted the Milwaukee Bucks from the in-season tournament and now have their sights set on repeating the feat in the playoffs.