After the Milwaukee Bucks extended their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers in Game 5, the question in everyone’s mind is: Are Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard returning in Game 6?
Doc Rivers doesn’t have a clear answer for that, but he did raise hopes up.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard Injury Updates for Milwaukee Bucks
Both Antetokounmpo and Lillard missed Game 5 on Tuesday due to their respective injuries. Giannis has yet to make his 2024 postseason debut due to the calf strain he sustained towards the end of the regular season, while Dame is nursing an Achilles injury he re-aggravated during Game 3.
During his postgame presser after the Bucks’ 115-92 win over the Pacers, Rivers was asked about the recovery timeline of the superstar duo and provided some encouraging update.
While Rivers can’t say for sure if the two will be able to play in Game 6, his response indicates that they are trending towards that direction.
“I don’t know how to answer that. I know I hope. I think they’re very, very, very close,” Rivers said of Antetokounmpo and Lillard’s injury statuses, via Eric Nehm of The Athletic.
There were high hopes that Antetokounmpo could return earlier in the series, but a Soleus strain is always tricky to come back from. There have been reports that he could miss out the entire first-round series, which remains a possibility since there hasn’t been any significant improvement from his status.
As for Lillard, Rivers told reporters that Lillard didn’t do any official work heading to Game 5. However, he was spotted doing some shooting prior to the showdown.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard Helping Milwaukee Bucks Despite Absences
Despite their absences, however, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have been doing everything they can to help the Milwaukee Bucks.
Khris Middleton shared that the two have been encouraging them from the sidelines as they recover from their health issues. Both players attended Game 5 and were seen from the bench.
“They’re into it. They’re cheering us on, encouraging us. Whenever they see little something in the game, they speak to us about it. They’re encouraging us. … It’s great to have their support on the bench. I wish they were out there with us, but in due time, hopefully they’ll be out there soon,” Middleton shared, per Associated Press.
Hopefully, Antetokounmpo and Lillard will be able to suit up soon, preferably in Game 6. After all, the Bucks could really use their help to force a Game 7 and potentially keep their title dreams alive.
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