The Milwaukee Bucks are gearing up for their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Indiana Pacers, but they may have to do it without their star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Sources have revealed that Antetokounmpo is currently undergoing around-the-clock treatment for a left calf strain, which could potentially keep him out of the starting lineup for the series.
Despite the setback, the Bucks remain hopeful that the treatment will allow Antetokounmpo to return later in the series. In the meantime, Coach Doc Rivers has revealed that Damian Lillard also sat out of practice due to groin and adductor injuries. Although Lillard received a clean MRI, he is not expected to be 100% for the rest of the season.
With both Antetokounmpo and Lillard potentially sidelined, the Bucks are focusing on preparing without their star players. Coach Rivers has been running actions in practice to highlight the strengths of players like Khris Middleton and other key members of the team.
Antetokounmpo missed the final three regular-season games after suffering a noncontact injury. Despite this setback, he ended the regular season averaging 30.4 points on a career-best 61% shooting. However, the Pacers have proven to be a tough opponent for the Bucks, winning four out of five regular-season games against them.
The third-seeded Bucks will open the series against the sixth-seeded Pacers on Sunday in Milwaukee. With uncertainty surrounding the availability of key players, both teams will need to adjust their strategies to secure a spot in the next round of the playoffs. Stay tuned to Forever Sports Online for the latest updates on this developing story.
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