Antetokounmpo sits, Lillard returns as Bucks face Pacers in Game 6 of playoff series

May 2, 2024 GMT
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Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard watch from the bench during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA playoff basketball series Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
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Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard watch from the bench during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA playoff basketball series Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out Thursday’s Game 6 of the first-round playoff series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers, but eight-time All-Star Damian Lillard returned to the court for the Bucks after missing the previous two games.

Antetokounmpo and Lillard had been considered game-time decisions, and both went through pregame workouts before Milwaukee determined their playing status.

Antetokounmpo has not played since straining his left calf on April 9 and had been listed as doubtful. Lillard was upgraded to questionable Thursday. He missed the two previous games after aggravating a right Achilles tendon injury.

The Pacers led the series 3-2 and needed one win to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since 2014.

Milwaukee staved off elimination with Tuesday’s 115-92 victory in Game 5 without Antetokounmpo or Lillard.

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