The Bucks are on the verge of elimination, but two of their best players are unlikely to play in Game 5 of the opening round against the Pacers. According to The Athletic's Eric Nemm, who tweeted, the Bucks have put Antetokounmpo and Lillard on the doubtful list for tomorrow's game, and there is a high probability that they will not play.
Antetokounmpo didn't play the entire series due to a left leg strain late in the regular season. Damian Lillard missed Game 4 of the Bucks on Monday with a right Achilles tendonitis. In the first three games of the series, Lillard averaged 40.7 minutes per game, scoring 32.3 points and dispelling 5.3 assists.
Ahead of Game 4, Milwaukee head coach Rivers expressed optimism that Antetokounmpo would return to action after a tough training session on Monday morning. "I think he has a chance to play in this series. Really," he said.
Patrick Beverley (Right oblique strain) and Chris Middleton (Sprained right ankle) are on the list of likely players.
In addition, according to US media reports, if the Bucks are eliminated in the first round, head coach Rivers will be dismissed. Rivers has not been able to put the team together since he became coach of the Bucks, especially with Lillard. In the regular season, there was news that Lillard and Rivers were at odds.
The Pacers are also experiencing injury issues. Indianapolis Star's Dustin Dobilak tweeted that Tyrese Halliburton was placed on the questionable list for back spasms.