In the pivotal Game 6 of the first-round NBA playoff series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers, reigning two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo remained sidelined due to a calf strain. However, eight-time All-Star Damian Lillard made his return to the court for the Bucks after missing the last two games.
Antetokounmpo and Lillard were listed as game-time decisions, and both underwent pregame workouts before the Bucks made a determination on their playing status. Antetokounmpo, who has been sidelined since April 9th, was deemed doubtful. Lillard, on the other hand, was upgraded to questionable after aggravating an Achilles tendon injury in recent games.
With the Pacers holding a 3-2 series lead, they needed a single victory to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since 2014. However, the Bucks managed to avoid elimination in Game 5 on Tuesday, securing a 115-92 triumph despite the absence of both Antetokounmpo and Lillard.