On the final play of regulation in Milwaukee’s overtime loss to Indiana Friday night, Damian Lillard strained his Achilles. While he was on the floor through overtime, he did not take a shot and was used more as a decoy to free up red-hot Khris Middleton.
After the game, Doc Rivers confirmed it was an Achilles issue, and on Saturday Rivers said it’s “not looking great” for Lillard to play in Game 4 on Sunday. Lillard has been in a walking boot since the game on Friday.
Doc Rivers, on Damian Lillard’s status for Game 4: “We don’t know yet. Not looking great.”
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) April 27, 2024
Did Lillard get an MRI?
Rivers: “Yeah, he did. They’re going to give us the results soon, so we should know a little bit later today.”
The Bucks are down 2-1 in their first-round series against the Pacers and are playing without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who suffered a strained calf at the end of the regular season. Rivers said that while Antetokounmpo will work out Sunday morning he is doubtful the former MVP can play. The Bucks will not rush Antetokounmpo back because of Lillard’s injury, the risks of a more severe injury are too great.
Lillard finished Game 3 with 28 points and while he wasn’t his sharpest (6-of-20 shooting) he hit two critical 3-pointers to give the Bucks the lead in the fourth quarter. If he and Antetokounmpo are out, an incredible load falls on the shoulders of Khris Middleton, and others on that roster are going to have to step up big to keep Milwaukee out of a deep hole.
