Antetokounmpo sits, Lillard returns as Bucks face Pacers in Game 6 of playoff series
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard watch from the bench during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA playoff basketball series Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Milwaukee. Credit: AP/Morry Gash
INDIANAPOLIS — Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out Thursday's Game 6 of the first-round playoff series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers, but eight-time All-Star Damian Lillard returned to the court for the Bucks after missing the previous two games.
Antetokounmpo and Lillard had been considered game-time decisions, and both went through pregame workouts before Milwaukee determined their playing status.
Antetokounmpo has not played since straining his left calf on April 9 and had been listed as doubtful. Lillard was upgraded to questionable Thursday. He missed the two previous games after aggravating a right Achilles tendon injury.
The Pacers led the series 3-2 and needed one win to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since 2014.
Milwaukee staved off elimination with Tuesday’s 115-92 victory in Game 5 without Antetokounmpo or Lillard.
