The Milwaukee Bucks have the deck stacked against them heading into Game 5 of their first-round series in the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. The only thing working in their favor at this point is that Game 5 will be at home, as their fans can potentially give them a boost to keep this series going.
Game 5 is a must-win game for Milwaukee as they are down 3-1 in the series to their Central Division rivals. The games in Indiana did not go well, as the Bucks not only lost both contests but their injury report grew.
Khris Middleton was able to gut it out and play through a sprained ankle, but Giannis Antetokounmpo was joined on the sidelines. NBA All-Star point guard Damian Lillard is dealing with an Achilles strain and missed the Game 4 loss.
Based on a report shared by NBA Insider Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Bucks aren’t getting either of their stars back for Game 5. Charania did not share a report officially ruling them out, but it is unlikely Antetokounmpo or Lillard are on the court tonight.
“Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, are not expected to play tonight in the potential elimination game 5,” Charania said during a segment on Run It Back on FanDuel TV.
According to Charania, neither player is particularly close to getting on the court. Both only started running again for the first time yesterday, as it would be organizational malpractice to throw them into an NBA Playoff game at this stage.
As Charania noted, the Bucks aren’t throwing in the towel per se, but they aren’t going to make a decision that could put their future in peril. There are too many complications and the risk is too high to have Antetokounmpo or Lillard out there in their current conditions, as being healthy for the 2024-25 NBA Season is important.
The Greek Freak has not played since injuring his calf on April 9th against the Boston Celtics. Lillard played 45 minutes in Game 3 but the Achille strain became too much to deal with as he is set to miss his second consecutive game.
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