The banged-up Milwaukee Bucks are currently limping their way to the NBA All-Star break.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has now missed Milwaukee's last five games, and the Bucks are 2-3 in what continues to be a frustrating season. Given just how tight the Eastern Conference standings are now, every single game is precious. Five games separate the fourth seed from the ninth seed, so with the losses piling up, the Bucks only get deeper into dangerous waters with each head-scratching loss.
With the Bucks needing to stay afloat, especially in Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence, Damian Lillard has shouldered a much bigger workload than he typically already does. If a recent trend continues, it could spell trouble for Milwaukee in the long term.
Damian Lillard's minutes keep increasing for the Milwaukee Bucks
On the season, Damian Lillard is averaging 36.5 minutes per matchup. That is the most he's averaged since 2019-20, when he was 29. He's now 34. In February, he's at 37 minutes per game. Over his past three appearances, he's all the way up at 39.2 minutes. Those minutes will add up for a veteran.
The Bucks are stuck between a rock and a hard place because they need Lillard on the floor for long stretches to stay afloat without Giannis, but they are also giving him significant minutes that could wear him down as the season goes on. This predicament runs the risk of not having Lillard fresh for the postseason, where the Milwaukee Bucks truly need him.
Thankfully, there is one game left until the NBA All-Star break. That will give Lillard some needed time to rest - after he participates in the festivities - and the hope is that Giannis returns to the lineup soon after, which would also lessen his workload. As the star, Lillard understands he has to play a key part in Milwaukee's success, but the Bucks also have to be smart about his minutes.
Coming out of the All-Star break, the Milwaukee Bucks must find ways to be impactful on the court while not wearing down Lillard on a nightly basis.
One such avenue worth exploring is using newcomer Kevin Porter Jr. more. In the past, the guard has shown a knack for scoring, shot-creation and playmaking, all things this team needs more of when it is time for Damian Lillard to rest. If he can provide some relief in those regards, perhaps Lillard could catch his breath for longer stretches.
Every game matters, but so does keeping Damian Lillard somewhat fresh. Doc Rivers and the rest of the Milwaukee Bucks have to keep that in mind - and find solutions - as the season progresses.
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