By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Injury updates coming out of the Milwaukee Bucks extended from Giannis Antetokounmpo to Damian Lillard. Both players are listed as doubtful ahead of Game 4 of the best-of-seven series against the Indiana Pacers.
The Greek Freak missed the last three team outings in the 2023-24 NBA Regular Season and has yet to make an appearance in NBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel. Dealing with a left soleus strain, he remains on the injury list as the Bucks prepare to visit Gainbridge Fieldhouse on NBA Sundays.
“He is going to go hard early and then we’re going to make a decision after that,” head coach Doc Rivers referred to 29-year-old Antetokounmpo seeking a workout in the morning and possibly being cleared to return to action.
“I doubt it, but we will see,” he added all but ruling out a comeback for the 2021 Finals MVP.
Diagnosed with right Achilles tendinitis after Game 3, Lillard underwent an MRI. He had a walking boot on Saturday. “Not looking great, but we don’t know yet,” Rivers updated the status of the 33-year-old point guard.
Besides potentially missing their leading stars, the Bucks sidelined Chris Livingston (illness). However, 32-year-old Khris Middleton (right ankle sprain) is probable to play in Game 4.
A complicated task attached to multiple forced adjustments on lineups and on-court responsibilities, the team coached by Rivers will welcome the Pacers in Fiserv Forum on Tuesday, facing elimination or a 2-2 tie, depending on the outcome of Game 4.