The Milwaukee Bucks will be playing Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers without their top two players, Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. This comes as the Bucks are facing a 2-1 series deficit going into the critical game. Antetokounmpo has been sidelined for six games due to a calf strain that he has been dealing with since April 10. Lillard, on the other hand, aggravated an Achilles injury during Game 3 on Friday night and was later seen wearing a walking boot.
Head coach Doc Rivers confirmed that the team was awaiting the results of an MRI before ruling Lillard out for Game 4 on Sunday. With both players out, the Bucks will face a significant challenge as they try to even the series against the Pacers. In Game 3, Lillard’s injury occurred late in regulation, and despite playing through it, he struggled in overtime. The Pacers ultimately secured the win in overtime with an and-1 floater from Tyrese Haliburton.
With Lillard and Antetokounmpo sidelined, the Bucks will need increased production from players like Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Brook Lopez. Lillard has been a key player for the team, averaging 24.3 points and seven assists during the regular season. In the playoffs, he escalated his performance with Antetokounmpo out, averaging 32.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in Games 1-3.
The Bucks have struggled this season in games without Lillard, posting a 1-8 record in such games. It remains uncertain when Lillard or Antetokounmpo will be able to return to the court to help the Bucks in their playoff campaign.