Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard (knee) has been upgraded from questionable to questionable ahead of Thursday's Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.
Lillard sat out the last two games with a right Achilles injury against Milwaukee. Game 6 is must-win for the Bucks, who trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Lillard averaged 32.3 points in the first three playoff games.
On the NBA's official injury report at 12:30 pm EST, Damian Lillard was upgraded to questionable for Game 6 tonight in Indianapolis.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is still listed as questionable.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) May 2, 2024
In addition, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo remains questionable on the Bucks' injury report, as he continues to deal with a calf injury that has kept him sidelined since April 9.
On Tuesday, coach Doc Rivers described Lillard and Antetokounmpo as “very close” to playing.
NBA insiders are reporting that Antetokounmpo and Lillard are both working to try to play on Thursday. However, it is not clear whether any of the stars will be available to play.
Damian Lillard (knee) of the Milwaukee Bucks has been upgraded from questionable to questionable for Game 6 against the Indiana Pacers
Without Lillard and Antetokounmpo in the Game 5 lineup, Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis scored 29 points apiece in Milwaukee's 115-92 win over Indiana on Tuesday.
The win made the Buckeyes the first team in NBA history to win a playoff game while missing their two leading scorers from the regular season.
“They got into it,” Middleton said of Lillard and Antetokounmpo's bench support. “They make us happy, they encourage us. Whenever they see something small in the game, they talk to us about it.
“They encourage us. … Their support on the bench is exciting. I wish they were with us, but at the right time, I hope they will come out soon.”
Game 6. pic.twitter.com/5Djk7xyyyI
– Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) May 2, 2024
Milwaukee is 0-5 in their last five road games and 1-5 against the spread in their last six games played in May. The Buckeyes have won 4-2 ATS in their last six games against their opponent in the Central Division.
Meanwhile, Indiana is 7-3 in its last 10 contests and 4-2 in its last six Thursday games. The Pacers are also 5-1 ATS in their last six games played in the month of May.
NBA sportsbooks show the Bucks as 6.5-point underdogs in Indiana before Game 6. According to ESPN's Basketball Power Index, the Pacers have a 57.5% chance to close out the series on their home court.
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