Bucks' Damian Lillard Set to Return for Game 6 vs. Pacers as Giannis Antetokounmpo Sits Out

The Milwaukee Bucks staged a remarkable comeback in Game 5, defeating the Indiana Pacers 115-92 and extending their playoff run. Now, they could receive a significant boost as Damian Lillard, sidelined for the past two games due to an Achilles injury, is set to return for Game 6 in Indiana, as per multiple reports.

Coach Doc Rivers revealed just hours before tip-off on Thursday that both Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo were game-time decisions. Rivers noted that while Giannis' status leaned towards doubtful, both players had promising workouts earlier in the day.

The latest injury report from the Bucks listed Lillard as upgraded to questionable for the pivotal Game 6, while Antetokounmpo, dealing with a calf strain, has been ruled out. Notably, the Bucks had initially categorized both players as doubtful on Wednesday night's injury report.

Antetokounmpo has been sidelined for the entirety of the playoffs due to a calf strain sustained on April 9 during the team's regular-season finale. Although no official timeline has been provided by the Bucks, reports from Shams Charania suggested a recovery period of two to four weeks. With Game 6 approaching just beyond the three-week mark, Antetokounmpo's absence continues to be felt by the team.

Damian Lillard's Achilles injury, sustained in the closing moments of Game 3, has kept him sidelined for the last two matchups. The Bucks have refrained from disclosing a specific timeline for Lillard's return. However, it's worth noting that he had been dealing with a sore Achilles leading up to the series, which had limited his practice participation.

Prior to the pivotal Game 5, Coach Rivers appeared less optimistic about the availability of his star duo. He indicated that Giannis Antetokounmpo hadn't engaged in extensive activity during shootaround, while Lillard had abstained from any on-court activities. However, Lillard later did participate in a light shooting session just before the game.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the injuries and the lack of clarity, it's difficult to confidently predict whether Antetokounmpo or Lillard will be fit for Game 6.

Although the Bucks would undoubtedly prefer to have their top players back, they've demonstrated resilience in their recent performances against the Pacers. Despite falling short in Game 4, they delivered a commanding performance in Game 5, showcasing their ability to compete even without their star duo.

The focus now shifts to whether Milwaukee's supporting cast can replicate their Game 5 success in another crucial matchup on the road. However, one thing is clear: the Bucks are prepared to put up a fierce fight as they strive to extend their playoff journey.