The Milwaukee Bucks have not managed to stay healthy consistently throughout the entirety of the 2023-24 NBA season to the point that it feels like a curse was put on them.
That issue has carried over into the postseason, as Giannis Antetokounmpo has not suited up in any of Milwaukee's three games. Khris Middleton is dealing with an ankle injury, but he has toughed it out and has not missed a game. Now, to round out the Big 3, Damian Lillard is also injured, suffering a strained Achilles in a Game 3 loss, leaving his status for Game 4 vs. the Indiana Pacers in doubt.
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has suffered a strained Achilles, is in a walking boot and there is serious doubt over his availability for Game 4 vs. Pacers on Sunday, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/jQUJpovsSM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 27, 2024
Lillard has been battling this Achilles injury throughout the season, with it popping up on the team's injury report here and there. Thankfully, it's just a strain and nothing more, but this could have major implications on how the rest of the season goes for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Cursed season continues as Bucks receive another brutal injury update
The Milwaukee Bucks could very well enter Sunday's matchup with both Antetokounnmpo and Lillard sidelined due to injury. With the team down 1-2 and starting at a possible 1-3 hole, this news is brutal. It's not over until it's over, of course, but things just got far more challenging for the Bucks as they aim to keep their postseason dreams intact.
If both players are sidelined, Khris Middleton would have to take on significant responsibility to make up for their absences. With a 42-point outburst in Game 3, he showed that he can produce on the big stage, and it would take another masterclass to give the Milwaukee Bucks a shot. The role players on this roster, particularly Bobby Portis, would also need to deliver an all-time performance.
It's tough to see the Bucks struggle to reach their goals due to overwhelming injuries to their key cogs, as the talent is there, but this is no time to mope and wallow in self-pity. They still trail by just one game in this seven-game playoff series and have a chance to shock the world.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.