The Milwaukee Bucks faced a setback in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers as their star players, Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo were sidelined due to injuries—an Achilles strain for Lillard and a calf injury for Antetokounmpo.
Despite this, head coach Doc Rivers remains optimistic, stating that they haven’t ruled out either player for future games against Indiana, indicating a possibility for their return.
Antetokounmpo had missed the final three games of the regular season and hadn’t played in any of the first three playoff games against Indiana. Lillard, on the other hand, had been instrumental in the Bucks’ lineup, averaging 32.3 points per game in the first three matchups against the Pacers. However, he suffered an Achilles strain during Game 3, which affected his efficiency on the court.
In the absence of Lillard and Antetokounmpo, the Bucks turned to Khris Middleton to lead the offense. However, facing an uphill battle on the road without their top two options, Milwaukee’s chances of success were significantly diminished.
To preserve their season, they would need to win three consecutive games—a challenging task without the presence of at least one of their star players.
Despite the adversity, there’s a glimmer of hope for the Bucks. Games 5 and 7, if necessary, would be held at home, providing an opportunity for a potential comeback.
The return of either Lillard or Antetokounmpo, or both, could significantly shift the dynamics of the series, especially in front of the home crowd. This possibility keeps the Bucks’ prospects alive, even as they face a pivotal moment in the series against the Pacers.
