The Milwaukee Bucks have announced that both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard will be sidelined for Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers due to injuries. Antetokounmpo is dealing with a left calf strain, while Lillard has a right Achilles strain. The Bucks, currently trailing 3-1 in the series, will be without their top two scorers, which poses a significant challenge as teams missing their top two scorers in the postseason have historically struggled.
Antetokounmpo has been out of action since sustaining a left soleus muscle strain three weeks ago in a game against the Boston Celtics. Despite showing positive signs during a recent workout, where he ran on the court for the first time since the injury, Antetokounmpo's participation in Game 5 remains ruled out. Bucks coach Doc Rivers mentioned that Antetokounmpo engaged in some shooting activities but did not undergo an extensive on-court session leading up to the game.
Lillard, who had been wearing a walking boot on his right Achilles following Game 3, where he aggravated the injury, was seen on the court at Fiserv Forum engaging in light shooting and movement drills. However, he did not go through a full workout session on Tuesday. The absence of both Antetokounmpo and Lillard presents a significant setback for the Bucks as they face potential elimination in Game 5.
The Bucks will need to rely on their depth and collective effort to overcome the absence of their star players and mount a comeback in the series. With Antetokounmpo and Lillard sidelined, other players will have to step up and take on increased responsibilities to keep Milwaukee's playoff hopes alive.
