Bucks' playoff hopes take blow with Damian Lillard update

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard. Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Bucks' playoff hopes take another blow with devastating Damian Lillard update

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 4/27/24

The Bucks are teetering on the brink of elimination.

The Athletic's Shams Charania gave a devastating update on Bucks guard Damian Lillard on Saturday, saying the eight-time All-Star "is in a walking boot, and there is serious doubt about his availability for Game 4" after he suffered a strained Achilles.

Charania noted Lillard had experienced soreness in his Achilles "in recent weeks and reaggravated the injury late in the fourth quarter of Game 3."

Lillard has played through significant soreness in his Achilles tendon in recent weeks, and reaggravated the injury late in fourth quarter of Game 3 loss Friday night. Bucks now facing likelihood of playing without Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. https://t.co/kbwJjlXz84
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 27, 2024

The Pacers won Game 3, 121-118 in overtime, to take a 2-1 series lead.

In three games this postseason, Lillard has averaged 32.3 points and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 44.4 percent from three-point range.

With Lillard trending toward joining the Bucks' best player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, on the bench due to injury, Milwaukee's season is on perilous ground.

Two-time league MVP Antetokounmpo hasn't played since April 9, when he left a game against the Celtics with a calf strain.

Milwaukee's chances to come back in its first-round series take a major hit with both on the bench.

The Pacers have too much offense for the Bucks to keep up. Indiana ranked first in points per game during the regular season (123.3) and is averaging 123 points per game in its two postseason wins after being held to 94 in its Game 1 loss.

For the second consecutive season, the Bucks appear headed for a disappointing first-round exit.

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