As the Milwaukee Bucks gear up for Sunday’s NBA playoff opener against the Indiana Pacers, Damian Lillard participated fully in practice, though Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out live drills due to a lingering injury.
Lillard, who has been managing a sore adductor, was back in full action for the first time this week, signaling readiness for the upcoming game.
On the other hand, Antetokounmpo’s availability remains a significant question mark. The Bucks’ forward, sidelined by a strained left calf, missed the final three games of the regular season and has yet to participate in any vigorous activities.
Despite Bucks president Peter Feigin stating on Milwaukee radio station WKLH that Antetokounmpo “definitely will not be back for Sunday,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers held a sliver of hope, mentioning, “We’re still hoping. He hasn’t done anything live, but we would throw him out there if we could.”
Antetokounmpo’s absence is felt particularly hard given his dominant performance against the Pacers during the NBA regular season. He averaged 42.2 points and 13 rebounds over five games. His standout moment came when he scored a franchise-record 64 points in one of the matchups, underscoring his critical role on the team.
The Bucks might need to start the series without their star player, relying more heavily on Lillard, who expressed confidence post-practice. “I felt solid,” Lillard remarked, acknowledging the necessity of his return to form.
Despite a challenging end to the regular season, where he shot poorly in his last game, Lillard is optimistic about his condition improving just in time for the playoffs.
Lillard is making his playoff return for the first time since 2021, reflecting on his career and the current opportunity with the Bucks, stating gratitude for the opportunity.
“One thing I’ve been thinking about all week is I’ve gone my whole career wanting an opportunity to win,” Lillard said. “This is what we came here to do, whether we’re healthy or not, eventually we will be. If our mind is right, we’re going to have every opportunity to get something done.”
Additionally, Rivers provided an update on reserve guard AJ Green, who participated in much of Friday’s practice after missing the last two regular-season games with a sprained left ankle.
Green’s return to practice adds depth to the Bucks as they prepare to launch their playoff campaign under uncertain circumstances.
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