Giannis Antetokounmpo injury update before 2024 NBA playoffs; Damian Lillard returns to court for the Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks practiced for the second straight day on Wednesday at the Sports Science Center in advance of their first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, and they got a little bit of good news as all-star point guard Damian Lillard got on the court and participated in some light work.
He did not practice, however, but after a scheduled off day on Thursday, head coach Doc Rivers hopes Lillard can get in a full day of work on Friday.
"Yeah I do, but I don't know that," Rivers said. "I expected yesterday, so I don't know that. But I'm assuming. I would be surprised (if he didn't), I'll put it that way."
Rivers said everyone else on the team practiced, which included giving Khris Middleton extended work as the primary ballhandler and offensive table-setter. The team has also dialed in on proper offensive execution -- be it finding the right shot to help their defense, or more disciplined ball handling.
"Turnovers is an obvious one, quick shots are two, bad shots are three," point guard Pat Beverley said of the keys for the Bucks on offense. "If you want to a shoot a bad shot, make sure it go out of bounds, type of vibe, you know. You turn the ball over, make sure you turn that (expletive) over out of bounds, not open court for a dunk or get the crowd going and all that. I'd say those three for sure."
Giannis Antetokounmpo injury update
As for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who strained a left soleus (calf) muscle on April 9, Rivers said not only did the two-time league MVP not practice, the coach didn't even ask for an update on him, Lillard, or shooting guard AJ Green (ankle sprain) prior to the session.
"(Vice president of performance) Troy (Flanagan) comes in and tells me who's practicing," Rivers said. "He then wanted to start into the rest and I said, 'We can talk about it later. I need to get to the practice plan.' So, I'll know later tonight. But I don't know an update."
The series schedule was announced earlier on Wednesday and Game 2 slated for a 7:30 p.m. CT start on April 23 -- exactly two weeks to the date of Antetokounmpo's soleus strain. Game 3 will be on April 26 at 4:30 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana with Game 4 on April 28 at 6 p.m.
"We know what we have to do regardless if Giannis is here or not," Bucks guard Malik Beasley said. "I think our team is deep enough to hold it down for him and when he's ready, we'll be at another level. So, just get ready Giannis."
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Giannis injury update before NBA playoffs, Damian Lillard returns
