Bucks' Lillard to miss Game 4 against Pacers due to achilles injury

The Milwaukee Bucks have declared that star guard Damian Lillard will not play in Sunday's Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers due to a right Achilles injury. Lillard, who had been listed as doubtful, exacerbated the injury during the overtime defeat in Friday's Game 3. He has been struggling with this Achilles issue for several weeks, initially feeling discomfort after Milwaukee's regular-season finale in Orlando. To manage the pain, Lillard took a few days off from practice at the beginning of the playoffs, a move he mentioned was beneficial in helping him feel rejuvenated for the series.

In addition to Lillard's absence, the Bucks will also be without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is missing his seventh straight game due to a calf injury. Despite these setbacks, Lillard has been pivotal in the series, stepping up significantly in the absence of Antetokounmpo. Over the first three games of the playoffs, Lillard has averaged impressive stats with 32.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game.

Currently, Indiana holds a 2-1 lead in this first-round playoff series. The Bucks now face the challenge of overcoming these injuries and evening the series without two of their key players.

Two-time NBA MVP Antetokounmpo has been sidelined since straining his left calf during a game on April 9. The series will shift back to Milwaukee for Game 5 on Tuesday.


Source ESPN : Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard out for Game 4
Source TheScore : Lillard out for Game 4 with Achilles injury