Milwaukee Bucks were even more impressive on Tuesday at Fiserv Forum in their Game 5 match. Despite the absence of their two star players, Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks were still able to win 115-92 at home. The Bucks will once more have an uphill road ahead of them despite their best efforts to rally in the series, as the official injury report presents a dismal picture.
The injury report for superstars Antetokounmpo and Lillard of the Bucks was updated to “doubtful” prior to Game 6 at Gainbridge Freehouse.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was missing for Bucks
Damian Lillard has missed the last two Bucks games while recovering from a sprained right Achilles that occurred in the closing moments of Game 3. In three games versus the Pacers, Lillard was averaging 32.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 62.7% shooting, putting on quite the show before aggravating his Achilles injury once more.
In addition, Giannis has not played since April 9th due to a strained right calf sustained during the Bucks‘ game against the Boston Celtics, who are their conference rivals. However, there was one bright spot to the whole thing: Bucks head coach Doc Rivers recently updated the media on the team’s two players. Speaking with reporters, Rivers stated,
“I know I hope [to have them on the floor again in the series]. I think they’re very, very, very close.”
Doc Rivers on the potential return of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard: “I know I hope. I think they’re very, very, very close.” #FearTheDeer
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) May 1, 2024
The Bucks will undoubtedly use all the assistance they can get ahead of their forthcoming game in Indianapolis. Sadly, the only two starters who have not reported with a serious injury before Friday’s game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse are Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez. Game 5 heroes Patrick Beverly (right oblique strain) and Khris Middleton (right ankle sprain) have also been labeled as “Probable.”
