After a big Game 5 win, the Milwaukee Bucks forced a Game 6 on the road against the Indiana Pacers.
Coach Doc Rivers flirted with the idea that both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, who are both banged up with lower leg injuries and have missed time in this series, were very close to making their return to the hardwood. On the day of Game 6, that notion was confirmed.
According to ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, both Antetokounmpo and Lillard are working to get back on the floor for Thursday's pivotal Game 6. With the Bucks trailing 3-2 in the series and set to play in a hostile road environment, it's do-or-die time, and these two understand the importance.
Bucks get potentially series-altering update ahead of Game 6 vs. Pacers
Obviously, getting both or even one of these two back would be huge. Though the Bucks showed off their resiliency with a Game 5 win despite being incredibly shorthanded, getting back two of the top stars in the entire league would be a significant jolt. Of course, nothing is set in stone yet, as these are two very tricky injuries, and neither should go if there are still concerns.
You don't want either of these two jeopardizing their long-term health and potentially cause issues heading into next season. Yet, if they are healthy, the Bucks would certainly welcome them back into the lineup with open arms. Giannis has been out since April 9, and Lillard has been sidelined since he was injured in Milwaukee's Game 3 loss on April 26.
Milwaukee Bucks fans will be sure to anxiously check the hourly injury report up until the game tips later on Thursday. It's no secret that this team has been wounded for most of the season, but if they could get everyone on the court now, it would be a sizeable boost for their title hopes as they aim to extend this series to seven games.
No matter who is on the floor, the Milwaukee Bucks face a big test on Thursday.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.