In a resilient display of basketball, the Milwaukee Bucks forced a Game 6 against the Indiana Pacers with an impressive showing Tuesday night.
Now, with the series shifting back to Indiana, the question everyone is waiting to be answered is if the Bucks will get back one or both of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Both have been struck with lower leg injuries, with Giannis missing the entire series and Lillard sitting out the last two games, and getting them back with the team in a 3-2 hole could possibly be series-altering.
When asked about his two superstars potentially taking the floor in Game 6, Doc Rivers said, "I don't know how to answer that. I know I hope. I think they're very, very, very close."
Doc Rivers delivers most important injury update yet as Bucks force Game 6
Obviously, getting either of these players back would be a massive boost for the Milwaukee Bucks, especially after extending the series by winning Game 5, giving them extra time to recover from their injuries. The Bucks may have gained some momentum by winning Game 5, but with the series now shifting to hostile territory, these two could be a shot in the arm.
Of course, these two should not be rushed back if they are still hurt, especially considering they are dealing with soleus and Achilles injuries, things you do not want to mess with. The Athletic insider Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo started running over the weekend and that Lillard is out of his walking boot, so the two are undeniably making progress.
"[Giannis Antetokounmpo] just started running over the weekend, and Damian Lillard was in a boot, he's out of the boot now, he's doing some underwater running...But given that game 5 is just one day away, there is obviously pessimism and some doubt over their status."… pic.twitter.com/ihRplOhUb9
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) April 29, 2024
Ultimately, all everyone can do is wait. Both will likely be game-time decisions for the Milwaukee Bucks, but their designations when the first injury report is released will be fascinating. Will they be doubtful, which they have been listed as lately, or could they possibly make the jump to questionable and take a major step to get back on the hardwood?
A roller coaster ride of a first-round series may get even crazier in the coming days. Game 6 is set to tip-off Thursday.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.