Year after year, since the title-winning season, injuries have taken a toll on the Milwaukee Bucks, and it appears another significant one may be on the horizon.
Damian Lillard exited Milwaukee's Game 4 matchup with the Indiana Pacers after six minutes, falling to the floor without contact and grabbing his Achilles. The initial fear was that Lillard suffered a torn left Achilles tendon. Doc Rivers couldn't confirm that after the game, but he told reporters it's "not very promising." Lillard will have imaging done on Monday to determine the severity.
Not only did the Milwaukee Bucks lose Damian Lillard - potentially beyond this season if an Achilles tear is confirmed - but they also fell into a 3-1 hole with a 129-103 loss on their home court. There's now a legitimate chance that their season can come to a close on Tuesday, when they head to Indiana for Game 5.
Only the Milwaukee Bucks can dig themselves out of this hole
This series was challenging enough with Damian Lillard. Now, if he's out, Milwaukee's odds will lessen even further. However, the team will not give in. As long as they have Giannis Antetokounmpo healthy, they have a chance. It's going to take more than just Giannis to win this series, though, even if he goes nuclear without his running mate.
The Milwaukee Bucks need more from their role players. Kevin Porter Jr. finally broke through after a poor start in the first few games, pouring in 23 points and six assists in Game 4. If Lillard is out, Porter will likely start in his place, so the Bucks could use more games like this. Sticking with the backcourt, Ryan Rollins will likely be thrust back into the rotation, and he will need to rise to the occasion.
It would certainly help if Kyle Kuzma came to life, especially after a woeful three points and one assist on 1-of-6 shooting in Game 4. Bobby Portis will need to up his aggressiveness in all facets, especially on the glass, as he grabbed just three boards his last time out. Of course, Doc Rivers also putting the best lineups on the floor would certainly help the Milwaukee Bucks.
For now, it's easy to speculate, but there's no official word on Damian Lillard. Yet, it feels likely, based on Rivers' comments, that the star guard may very well be out for the rest of this series, so it's time to start plotting some significant adjustments as the series shifts back to Indiana.
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