Damian Lillard returns for Game 6; Giannis Antetokounmpo sits out

Damian Lillard returns from a 2-game absence and finishes with 28 points on 7-for-16 shooting as the Pacers close out the Bucks in Game 6.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — In the crucial Game 6 of the Milwaukee Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, star guard Damian Lillard and the eight-time All-Star made a comeback after missing the first two games. Meanwhile, two-time Kia MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play.

Lillard was earlier upgraded in the Eastern Conference first-round series in Indianapolis from doubtful to questionable. Both players had “great workouts” on Thursday afternoon, according to Bucks coach Doc Rivers, before the two-time MVP Antetokounmpo was officially ruled out due to injury. Due to a calf injury that has kept him out of the series and off the court since April 9, Antetokounmpo was earlier labeled as doubtful.

Damian Lillard stats

Lillard’s right Achilles ailment has kept him out of the last two games. For the Bucks, who are already behind 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, the eight-time All-Star averaged 32.3 points in the first three games of the series. Lillard and Antetokounmpo were “very, very, very close” to playing, according to Rivers on Tuesday.

In the absence of Lillard and Antetokounmpo from the starting lineup in Game 5, Milwaukee defeated Indiana 115-92 on Tuesday with 29 points apiece from Bobby Portis and Khris Middleton. The Bucks’ victory made them the first team in NBA history to triumph in a postseason match while being without their two best players from the regular season.

Additionally, Middleton was classified on the NBA’s injury report as available for Game 6.