RealGM Basketball Wiretap

28 April 2024

• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard Out For Game 4

  The Milwaukee Bucks face some long odds as they seek to even up their first round series against the Indiana Pacers. Not only are the Bucks on the road while trailing 2-1 in the series, but Milwaukee will also be without both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.

  Antetokounmpo is still out as he attempts to recover from a strained calf. Lillard is out due to a strained Achilles that he re-aggravated in the Bucks Game 3 loss.

  Indiana now has a chance to take a commanding 3-1 series lead before things shift back to Milwaukee for Game 5 on Tuesday.

• Doc Rivers Doubts Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Play In Game 4

  The Milwaukee Bucks are potentially down a second superstar, with Damian Lillard battling an Achilles strain. Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers doesn't think Giannis Antetokounmpo, the first injured Bucks superstar, will be back for Game 4 either.

  When asked where Antetokounmpo is at with rehabbing his strained calf, Rivers said "He's working out tomorrow. Going to go hard, early and then we're going to make a decision".

  Rivers was asked if Antetokounmpo works out before Sunday's Game 4 if the star forward would play. Rivers didn't commit, but seemed to lean towards Antetokounmpo not playing.

  "I doubt it," Rivers said. "But we'll see."

  The Indiana Pacers lead the series 2-1, with Game 4 in Indiana on Sunday. The series shifts back to Milwaukee for Game 5 on Tuesday.

• Damian Lillard Has Strained Achilles, Doubtful For Game 4

  Damian Lillard has suffered a strained Achilles. Lillard is in a walking boot and is doubtful for Game 4 of the Milwaukee Bucks' first round series against the Indiana Pacers.

  Lillard has been playing through Achilles soreness for several weeks. He re-aggravated the injury in the fourth quarter of Friday's game. He finished the overtime loss but was spotted limping at several different points. Following the game, Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Lillard had an Achilles injury, but he didn't know the extent at that time.

  The Pacers took a 2-1 series lead with the victory on Friday night. Game 4 will be Sunday night in Indiana. The series will then shift back to Milwaukee for Game 5 on Tuesday.

• Damian Lillard Aggravates Achilles Injury During Bucks' Loss

  Damian Lillard aggravated an Achilles injury in the fourth quarter of the Milwaukee Bucks' overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 3.

  Lillard, who finished with 28 points, did not take a shot in overtime.

  "I just wanted to be on the floor in case opportunity came up or however I could help," said Lillard.

  Lillard added that his Achilles had been sore since the Bucks' regular season finale.

  With the Bucks down 2-1 in the series, Game 4 is on Sunday.

  "We're gonna get back and just have to get ahead of it because that's not something that you want to play with... we have a couple of days to start and try to get ahead of it. Get it feeling better and get ready for Sunday," said Lillard.

• Giannis Antetokounmpo Ruled Out For Game 3

  The Milwaukee Bucks have ruled out Giannis Antetokounmpo for Game 3 with a left calf strain.

  Antetokounmpo previously missed Games 1 and 2. Antetokounmpo hasn't played since straining his left calf in an April 9 victory over the Boston Celtics.

  Khris Middleton also has a sprained right ankle that kept him from practicing Thursday and puts his status in question for Game 3 in Indianapolis.

• Khris Middleton Questionable For Game 3 With Sprained Ankle

  Khris Middleton is questionable for Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers with a sprained right ankle.

  "It's another holding-our-breath situation. Honestly, I don't know," said Doc Rivers about Middleton's status.

  Middleton, who did not practice on Thursday, suffered the injury in Game 2.

  The series is tied 1-1.

  Rivers added that Giannis Antetokounmpo is "getting close" to returning to the Bucks lineup.

  "Does that mean a day, four days? I'm not sure," added Rivers.

• Doc Rivers: Giannis Antetokounmpo Getting Close, But I Don't Know What That Even Means

  The Milwaukee Bucks held practice on Thursday before flying to play at the Indiana Pacers in Game 3. The Bucks and Pacers are tied at 1-1 in the series.

  Giannis Antetokounmpo remained out of full participation as he continues to deal with a calf injury.

  Doc Rivers said Antetokounmpo "did a lot of floor stuff today, probably the most I've seen."

  Antetokounmpo did no live practicing, but advanced beyond just walking through drills by "shooting and moving."

  "He's getting close," Rivers said. "But, I don't know what that even means. I'm being honest. I saw him moving around and in my mind I said he's getting close. Does that mean a day, four days? I'm not sure."

• 2023-24 Sixth Man Of The Year Finalists Announced

  The NBA announced the finalists for 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year. The finalists are Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings, Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks and Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

  All three players are first-time finalists for Sixth Man of the Year.

• RealGM Radio: Seth Partnow On The Playoffs (Apr 2024)

  Host Danny Leroux and Seth Partnow of The Athletic preview the NBA playoffs.

  They break down which series they are most excited for, which are the toughest to call, key match-ups and much more.

  Subscribe to RealGM Radio on Apple Podcasts or via the RSS feed.

• Damian Lillard Returns To Practice On Wednesday

  Damian Lillard returned to practice on Wednesday after missing Tuesday's practice with a sore left adductor.

  Lillard missed last Friday's regular season game with the injury.

  Doc Rivers said he expected Lillard to continue to practice on Friday.

  "I'm assuming. I would be surprised [if he doesn't practice]. I'll put it that way," said Rivers.

  The Bucks will already be without Giannis Antetokounmpo at the start of their series against the Pacers.