The Milwaukee Bucks are managing to keep up with the Indiana Pacers despite having Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard sidelined due to injury. Bobby Portis and Khris Middleton did everything they could to keep the series alive in Game 5, and both stars are thankful to them for that.
However, they’re both itching to get back on the floor and finish the series in seven games. The fans are also probably feeling the same way as they don’t know if they can keep Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers contained without their cornerstones doing their thing on the floor.
Fortunately for the fans, it seems like their return to the court would happen sooner rather than later as Doc Rivers shared an important update on the status of his key players.
Doc Rivers reveals Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard will play for the Milwaukee Bucks soon
After the Bucks managed to win Game 5, fans and the press naturally asked whether their stars will be able to play in Game 6 and force a Game 7 against the Pacers.
While Rivers’ statement was brief, ESPN’s Jamal Collier wrote that his message is something that would excite any reasonable Bucks fan:
“I think they’re very, very, very close,” Rivers said.
Lillard missed the past two games due to an Achilles injury, and his absence was noticeable in Game 4. Through the three games he played, he notched a solid 32.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.3 steals on 41.5% shooting and 44.4% from deep.
Meanwhile, the Greek Freak hasn’t played a single minute of playoff basketball. He was virtually unstoppable in the regular season, though: Antetokounmpo was averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks a contest.
If both players manage to play against the Pacers, it would be unfair to expect insane numbers from the both of them. Giannis is especially rusty after sitting out for so long, so it will take time for him to get back into the groove of things.
However, Milwaukee Bucks fans will be the first to tell you that having a rusty Antetokounmpo on the floor is better than not having him play at all.
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