Prior to Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers, word was that Damian Lillard was set to potentially make his return to action for the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 or 3.
After a beatdown loss in Game 1, Bucks fans have been awaiting the official Game 2 injury report to see if help would be on the way in the form of their superstar point guard. Well, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that Lillard is officially listed as questionable on the injury report. Anything else, such as doubtful or probable, would have been a far greater surprise.
Bucks' Damian Lillard is listed as questionable for Game 2
Lillard has fully recovered from his deep vein thrombosis in a miraculous turn of events, so that is not what is holding him back. Everything about Lillard now revolves around conditioning and working his way back into game shape after being out these last several weeks. If everything goes according to plan for Lillard, he will be out there for Game 2, which was already clear.
Asked about his star point guard, Doc Rivers said, "He's close," and mentioned that Lillard has gone through live scrimmages over the last two days. Of course, this is great news and shows that he is on the right path to returning to the Milwaukee Bucks lineup. The two-day rest period between Game 1 and Game 2 could prove to be a huge advantage for this team.
Obviously, getting Lillard back would give the Milwaukee Bucks a needed boost. While the defense was far from great, the offense outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo looked putrid. Two starters had zero points. That cannot happen. Damian Lillard's return doesn't guarantee a Milwaukee victory, but it can certainly help give the offense a needed jolt.
Game 2 would be a great date to see Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard play together in their first postseason game, especially as the Bucks could really use a win after dropping Game 1. The NBA's highest-scoring duo could certainly give this Milwaukee team some life as they aim to leave Indiana with a win under their belt.
The only other Buck mentioned on the injury report is Tyler Smith, who will be out once again due to an ankle sprain.
Between Damian Lillard's health, Kyle Kuzma eyeing redemption and any rotation changes, there are plenty of storylines to monitor heading into a pivotal Game 2.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.