Following an MRI to assess the severity of his Achilles injury, star guard Damian Lillard's availability for Game 4 of the playoff series between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers is in question. Coach Doc Rivers revealed that Lillard, who is currently in a walking boot, displayed signs of discomfort during the Bucks' Game 3 loss to Indiana, where they now trail 2-1.
The situation with Lillard also brings into focus the potential absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been sidelined due to a calf injury sustained towards the end of the regular season. While there is a possibility that Antetokounmpo may be cleared for Game 4, Rivers emphasized that a final decision will be made after a rigorous workout session.
Despite these concerns, there was a positive development as Khris Middleton, who delivered an impressive performance with 42 points in Game 3, emerged unscathed despite nursing a sprained right ankle.
Lillard's contributions in Game 3, where he notched 28 points and eight assists despite early knee discomfort and a late Achilles tendon aggravation, underscore his importance to the Bucks. Notably, Milwaukee struggled during the regular season when Lillard was absent from the starting lineup, winning just one out of nine games.
The Bucks face a pivotal Game 4 without a clear picture of their star players' availability, heightening the stakes in their playoff series against the Pacers. Fans and analysts alike await updates on Lillard and Antetokounmpo's status as the team navigates through a crucial juncture in their postseason campaign.
