In the upcoming Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference playoff series between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers, the Bucks will be facing a critical challenge without their top two players, Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lillard aggravated an Achilles injury during Game 3 on Friday night and was later seen wearing a walking boot, while Antetokounmpo has been sidelined for six games due to a calf strain that he has been dealing with since April 10.
With both players out, the Bucks will need increased production from players like Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Brook Lopez. In Game 3, Lillard’s injury occurred late in regulation, and despite playing through it, he struggled in overtime. The Pacers ultimately secured the win in overtime with an and-1 floater from Tyrese Haliburton.
Lillard has been a key player for the team this season, averaging 24.3 points and seven assists during the regular season. In the playoffs, he escalated his performance with Antetokounmpo out, averaging 32.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in Games 1-3. Antetokounmpo’s absence has had a significant impact on the team’s offense as he is one of their leading scorers with an average of 27 points per game during the regular season.
The Bucks have struggled this season in games without Lillard, posting a 1-8 record in such games. It remains uncertain when Lillard or Antetokounmpo will be able to return to the court to help the Bucks in their playoff campaign. Coach Doc Rivers confirmed that they were awaiting MRI results before ruling Lillard out for Game 4 on Sunday
