The 2024 NBA Playoffs feature a series between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers. However, the Bucks are struggling with injuries to their star players. Giannis Antetokounmpo is already out of the series due to a calf strain, and now Damian Lillard will miss Game 4 with an Achilles strain. This puts extra pressure on players like Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Patrick Beverley to step up and keep the Bucks in the series.
In their last game, Khris Middleton scored an impressive 42 points, but the absence of Antetokounmpo and Lillard creates a significant challenge for the team. The Pacers currently lead the series 2-1, and without their two best players, the Bucks will need a collective effort from the entire team to avoid falling into a 1-3 hole.
Damian Lillard’s absence is particularly impactful as he has been a key player for the Bucks during this series. He has been averaging 32.3 points and 5.3 assists per game so far. However, his injury occurred on the final play of regulation in Game 3, and despite his best efforts, he was unable to contribute effectively in overtime due to his Achilles injury.
This stroke of bad luck has forced Milwaukee to reassess their roster and future plans. While injuries are part of any team’s season, Milwaukee must address deeper questions about their team construction and strategy moving forward. They must find ways to win without relying too heavily on one or two players while still maintaining their competitive edge against a tough Pacers team.
The remaining games of this series will be a test of resilience for Milwaukee as they fight to stay competitive against Indiana’s talented roster. With no clear answers yet on how long these star players will be out or if they’ll be able to return at all before it’s too late for them to make an impact in this playoff run