The Milwaukee Bucks, with a 5-5 record in the last 10 games, have now recovered with two back-to-back wins. But all well? No. After a sluggish first-half performance against the Sacramento Kings, they escaped a loss narrowly, raising eyebrows. They entered this game after Giannis Antetokounmpo & co. hammered the injury-riddled Lakers team 118-89 on Thursday. So, was Giannis able to guide his team to back-to-back victories? Sure enough, the Greek Freak was at it once again at the Golden 1 Center. Giannis finished Saturday’s game with a team-high 32 points and also grabbed 17 rebounds. His performance ensured a 114-108 victory, but the team is surely missing their point guard, Damian Lillard.
This is a massive win for the Bucks who are eyeing the coveted 4th seed in the Eastern Conference. Why? Well, the Pacers currently occupy the precious spot that will give them the home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. But Milwaukee is tailing them closely and looking to pounce on any slip-up from Indiana. But can the Bucks boys lap onto any opportunity when the coach himself sounds low?
HC Doc Rivers admitted that might not be possible due to a few factors. “We um are not going to be able to have that March you know melding because some of these guys aren’t going to play.” Stated Rivers after their win over Sacramento. Rivers acknowledged that even though he wants to have his team working together as a unit, injuries might not allow him to do so. Well, the Milwaukee HC is in a dilemma at the moment as his team is without several of their key player including their superstar point guard, Damian Lillard. Without Dame on the court, it’s obvious that the Bucks will lack that X factor he brings in alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Rivers knows the shortcomings of the team, but he isn’t letting it dominate either. He issued a confident statement that Milwaukee does indeed have its unique identity and they’ll show that come the high-intensity playoff games. “I think we know our identity anyway, I think we know who we are, I think uh rotationally wise, I think we we’re pretty sure how we want to play and I think we’ll be fine.” Rivers said. There’s no doubt that Milwaukee has established itself as a resilient team, and they will look to hold on to the momentum. However, executing that during the business end of the season will be no easy feat to achieve, especially without their key players. So what is the update on their key players?
Damian Lillard and two other stars continue to struggle with injuries as playoffs approach
On Saturday, as the Bucks battled it out with the Kings, their nine-time All-Star point guard, Damian Lillard had to watch from the crowd. The 34-year-old was unfortunately ruled out for the second straight game. This marked the first time since December that the Bucks star did not play in consecutive games, and with the playoffs just 13 games away, is this something Milwaukee should worry about? Damian is out with a calf problem at the moment and the Bucks faithful are hoping it’s nothing serious. He’s missed 12 games this season and while the Bucks are 8-4 without their point guard so far, they are surely better with him on the court.
Feb 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) on the floor after a play against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images.
With the Bucks looking set for a playoff spot, they can’t risk Lillard. That’s because they will need the 34-year-old more than ever during the playoffs. There are concerns over Damian Lillard’s fitness, but he might return soon. But do their worries end here? Nope. Their sixth man, Bobby Portis, continues to serve a massive suspension. The 6-foot-10 forward violated an NBA drug policy earlier this season and has been suspended for 25 games. So, he won’t be back until next month piling up on Milwaukee’s postseason problems.
That’s not all! HC Doc Rivers also mentioned that with their newly acquired big man Jericho Sims out, they now are left with only one center. The 26-year-old has undergone surgery recently to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb and is out for at least 4 weeks. Without Sims, Milwaukee only has their veteran center, Brook Lopez, to play at the five. Not that he’s not good enough, but he needs a breather here, too. Well, Doc Rivers and the Bucks can do nothing instead of waiting patiently for all three of these players to return to the hardwood as they play their final few games of the regular season. But with confidence high, the team can roast anyone their way.
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