Giannis Antetokounmpo is doubtful for the Bucks’ Game 6 against the Pacers

Can Bucks avoid elimination? When will know about Giannis and Dame?

The Bucks face elimination against Indiana in Game 6 of their playoff series; Can the Bucks survive without one or both superstars? We discuss.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Milwaukee Bucks are once again trying to stave off elimination in their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.

The Pacers hold a 3-2 advantage heading into Game 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday night. The Bucks stayed alive with a 115-92 victory at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday night.

Follow along for live updates from Gainbridge Fieldhouse:

The Milwaukee Bucks started the game by grabbing a 10-3 lead, then Damian Lillard hit his first shot – a three-pointer – since missing two games for a 13-6 advantage.

But the Pacers got into the flow and grabbed the lead back at 18-17. An 8-0 run gave Indiana a 29-19 advantage.

Indiana suffered, 33-24, after the first 12 minutes. Tyrese Haliburton, an Oshkosh native, had 10 points while Obi Toppin added nine off the bench.

Is Giannis playing?

Giannis Antetokounmpo was listed as doubtful on the injury report on Wednesday. The two-time MVP strained his left soleus (calf) muscle on April 9 and, although he has continued to get on the court, he hasn’t done any live, full-speed activity. He has been listed as doubtful for the first five games of the series. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers didn’t commit to a status update on Antetokounmpo before Game 6, but an updated injury report listed Antetokounmpo as out for the game.

Bucks record without Giannis

• 2-3 in the 2024 playoffs. Over his career, the Bucks are 5-5 in playoff games he misses.
• 4-6 in the 2023-24 regular season.

Is Damian Lillard playing?

Lillard was listed as doubtful on Wednesday’s initial injury report, but the guard was upgraded to questionable on Thursday. Lillard sustained knee and Achilles injuries in Game 3, but it was tendinitis — inflammation — in his right Achilles that kept him out of Games 4 and 5. Lillard then went through his pregame routine on the Gainbridge Fieldhouse court before Game 6, and the Bucks upgraded Lillard’s status again to available.

Bucks vs Pacers preview

Bucks: Middleton is carrying the injury-riddled Bucks, averaging 26.8 points per game in the series. Milwaukee is hoping for another standout performance from Bobby Portis, who had a playoff career-high 29 points in Game 5.

Pacers: Indiana scored a season-low 92 points in Game 5. The Pacers made 22 three-pointers in their last home game in the series.

Bucks vs Pacers odds, betting line, spread

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Wednesday

• Spread: Bucks +6
• Above/below: 216.5
• Moneyline: Pacers -225; Bucks +185

Bucks vs Pacers prediction, game picks

ESPN Stats & Information gives the Bucks a 42.5% chance of winning.

Bucks vs Pacers injury report

Bucks

• Giannis Antetokounmpo, doubtful (left soleus strain)
• Damian Lillard, questionable (right Achilles tendinitis)
• Khris Middleton, probable (right ankle sprain)
• Pat Beverley, probable (right oblique strain)

Pacers

• Bennedict Mathurin, out (right shoulder labral tear)
• Tyrese Haliburton, questionable (back spasms)

Bucks probable starters

• Guards: Pat Beverley, Damian Lillard
• Forwards: Chris Middleton, Bobby Portis
• Centre: Brook Lopez

Bucks vs Pacers stats

Bucks (regular season)

• PPG: 119.0
• PPG allowed: 116.4
• FG%: 48.7
• 3PT%: 37.3

Pacers (regular season)

• PPG: 123.3
• PPG allowed: 120.2
• FG%: 50.7
• 3PT%: 37.4

Bucks vs Pacers NBA playoffs schedule

What channel is Bucks vs Pacers on today? How to watch, stream live

• TV channels: Bally Sports Wisconsin; TNT
• Stream: You can stream the game on the Bally Sports Wisconsin and TNT apps.
• Announcers: Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson and Melanie Ricks for Bally Sports Wisconsin and Spero Dedes, Greg Anthony, Stephanie Ready for TNT.

Bucks vs Pacers start time, TV info, location

• Start time: 5:30 p.m. CDT.
• TV info: Bally Sports Wisconsin and TNT.
• Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

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