In a shocking turn of events for the NBA Playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks are facing a significant injury crisis as they prepare for Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers. The team will be without both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard due to injuries.
Antetokounmpo, who has been sidelined since April 9 with a calf strain, has not played in the playoffs so far. Meanwhile, Lillard suffered an Achilles injury during Game 3 and was ruled out for Game 4. The injury aggravated a previous Achilles issue that had already hampered him earlier in the season.
The Bucks have been struggling to keep up with the Pacers without their star duo, who combined for an average of over 50 points per game during the regular season. With both players out, Milwaukee is now facing a 3-1 deficit and a potential first-round elimination.
Lillard had scored 28 points and eight assists before injuring his Achilles tendon in Game 3. He finished the game but was noticeably struggling towards the end, with his explosiveness seemingly affected by the injury. Antetokounmpo, on the other hand, has not played since April 9 due to a left calf strain.
The Bucks have been dealing with injuries throughout their playoff run. Khris Middleton finished Game 3 with a sprained right ankle and four fouls for much of the second half. Pat Connaughton also injured his ribs during the game, leaving Milwaukee's depth severely tested.
The Pacers have been capitalizing on the Bucks' misfortunes, setting a franchise record for most 3-pointers in a playoff game with 22 (on 43 attempts, 51.2%). Indiana is now poised to advance to the conference semifinals for the first time since 2013-14.
Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers stated that Indiana has dictated the tempo in this series so far. The Bucks will need to regroup and find a way to compete without their top two scorers if they hope to turn things around in Game 5.
