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Damian Lillard Lillard (Achilles) undergoes surgery on Friday
Fri, May 2, 2025, 2:43 PM
Milwaukee Bucks
Damian Lillard underwent successful Achilles surgery on Friday.
Analysis: Lillard suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear last Sunday during the Bucks' season-ending Game 4 loss to the Pacers. The 34-year-old point guard remains without a recovery timeline, but the assumption is that he'll miss a significant portion of next season. His status impacts Milwaukee's entire rotation and approach to the offseason as the franchise heads into the summer with limited assets to help strengthen their roster. |
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Gary Trent Gary Trent Jr. tallies 33 huge points vs. Pacers
Tue, Apr 29, 2025, 3:55 PM
Gary Trent Jr. finished with 33 points (12-of-25 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, two assists, five steals and eight three-pointers in Tuesday's Game 5 loss to the Pacers.
Analysis: Trent Jr. provided the Bucks with another outstanding display of three-point shooting on Tuesday. The veteran guard knocked down at least eight three-pointers and eclipsed 30 points for the second time in the series. His value was shown on the defensive end as well, where he collected five steals. Trent Jr. will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. His strong postseason may help him earn a nice contract. |
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AJ Green AJ Green puts up 19 points vs. Pacers
Tue, Apr 29, 2025, 3:48 PM
AJ Green tallied 19 points (6-of-11 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), four rebounds, one assist, one block and six three-pointers in the Bucks' Game 5 loss to the Pacers.
Analysis: Green had another effective night from the three-point line. Green's contributions from beyond the arc in Game 5 give him 18 three-pointers in the series, which account for all of his made field goals through the five games. The second-year guard out of Northern Iowa led the Bucks in scoring through the first two quarters and ended his sophomore campaign on a high note. He should remain an important piece for Milwaukee going forward but is not a player who has to be targeted in most fantasy drafts. |
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Antetokounmpo pours in 30/20/13 line in Game 5
Tue, Apr 29, 2025, 3:46 PM
Giannis Antetokounmpo did it all in Tuesday's Game 5 loss to the Pacers, finishing with 30 points (9-of-17 FGs, 11-of-17 FTs), 20 rebounds, 13 assists, two blocks, two steals and one three-pointer.
Analysis: Antetokounmpo put together a well-rounded performance in the Bucks' season-ending defeat. The 2021 NBA Finals MVP reached 30 points for the fourth time in the series while impressing as a passer and rebounder en route to securing his only triple-double of the opening round. The Bucks will have another early exit and a long offseason. Still, Antetokounmpo will remain a top option in fantasy leagues next season, especially for managers punting free-throw percentage. |
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Bobby Portis MIL starting KPJ, Green, Trent, Giannis, Portis
Tue, Apr 29, 2025, 11:38 AM
NBA Lineups
Kevin Porter Jr., AJ Green, Gary Trent Jr., Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis will start Game 5 on Tuesday against the Pacers.
Analysis: Damian Lillard's season-ending Achilles tendon tear meant the Bucks would have to make at least one change to their starting lineup. Porter will fill the void left by the perennial All-Star, with Green and Portis also being moved from the bench to the starting five. They replace Kyle Kuzma and Brook Lopez, as Bucks coach Doc Rivers searches for an answer that will keep his team's season alive. |
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Damian Lillard Damian Lillard diagnosed with torn Achilles
Mon, Apr 28, 2025, 9:39 AM
Chris B. Haynes on Twitter
NBA reporter Chris B. Haynes reports that Damian Lillard has been diagnosed with a torn Achilles.
Analysis: Brutal. Lillard's 2024-25 season is officially over, and there's a chance he misses all of next season due to the timing of the injury. His contract runs through the 2025-26 season and includes a player option for 2026-27 for $58 million. It's unclear what Lillard's extended absence will mean for fantasy owners in 2025-26, as the Bucks will likely address PG depth in the offseason. Ryan Rollins started 19 games for the Bucks in 2024-25 and would be the in-house option. As a starter, Rollins averaged 10.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. |
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Bobby Portis Bobby Portis contributes 14 points in Game 4 loss
Sun, Apr 27, 2025, 7:00 PM
Bobby Portis finished Sunday's Game 4 loss to the Pacers with 14 points (6-of-10 FGs), three rebounds, one assist and two three-pointers in 25 minutes.
Analysis: Portis did his best to give the Bucks a spark on Sunday, but the home team was overwhelmed after losing Damian Lillard during the first half. With Brook Lopez (6/1/1/1/1 with two three-pointers in 15 minutes) struggling, Portis moved into the lineup to begin the third quarter. Milwaukee is now in a 3-1 hole, and Portis should play plenty in Tuesday's Game 5. That will be the case whether he comes off the bench or starts. |
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Kevin Porter Kevin Porter Jr. drops five triples, scores 23
Sun, Apr 27, 2025, 6:44 PM
Kevin Porter Jr. accounted for 23 points (9-of-17 FGs), five rebounds, six assists, two steals and five three-pointers in 33 minutes in Sunday's Game 4 loss to the Pacers.
Analysis: After totaling 22 points on 6-of-21 shooting in the first three games of the series, Porter was far better in Game 4. He was efficient as a scorer and playmaker, taking on an enlarged role after Damian Lillard exited with a lower left leg injury. With Bucks coach Doc Rivers saying after the loss that the outlook for Lillard is ânot promising,â Porter may be thrust into the starting lineup for Game 5 on Tuesday. Trailing three games to one, Milwaukee's goal is to get the series back home for Game 6. |
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Giannis Antetokounmpo records 28/15/6/1 stat line
Sun, Apr 27, 2025, 6:27 PM
Giannis Antetokounmpo shot 9-of-20 from the field and 10-of-11 from the foul line in Sunday's Game 4 loss to the Pacers, tallying 28 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and one steal in 34 minutes.
Analysis: The loss of Damian Lillard during the first half with a potential Achilles tendon injury did not prevent Giannis from getting his numbers, as he recorded another double-double. Unfortunately, the Bucks did not have the horses needed to make a run after halftime. Already shouldering a heavy workload, Antetokounmpo will have even more on his plate moving forward. Game 5 is on Tuesday night, with the Bucks trailing three games to one. |
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Damian Lillard Damian Lillard (leg) will not return to Game 4
Sun, Apr 27, 2025, 4:18 PM
Milwaukee Bucks
Damian Lillard (leg) will not return to Game 4 against the Pacers on Sunday.
Analysis: Lillard suffered a lower left leg injury while attempting to chase down a missed shot during the first quarter. Unable to put much weight on the leg while being helped to the locker room, the Bucks' point guard has officially been ruled out. Given that it's a non-contact injury, there's undoubtedly some concern regarding Lillard's ultimate prognosis. Kevin Porter Jr. will figure more prominently within the Bucks' rotation, and they will also need more offense from Gary Trent Jr. and AJ Green. |
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Damian Lillard Damian Lillard struggles with seven points vs. IND
Fri, Apr 25, 2025, 4:39 PM
Damian Lillard had seven points (2-of-12 FGs), three rebounds, five assists, two steals, two blocks and one three-pointer in Game 3 against the Pacers on Friday.
Analysis: Lillard returned from a calf injury and scored 14 points on 13 shots in Game 2. The 34-year-old point guard's struggles continued in Game 3 as he had seven points on 12 shots. Lillard, who hadn't played since March 18 prior to Game 2, played 32 minutes. Whether it's rust or lingering effects of the injury, his play is clearly diminished. With just one off-day before Game 4 Sunday, Lillard isn't in a great spot for a bounce-back. |
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Gary Trent Gary Trent Jr. goes off for 37 points in Game 3
Fri, Apr 25, 2025, 4:38 PM
Gary Trent Jr. had 37 points (11-of-16 FGs), three rebounds, four steals and nine three-pointers in Game 3 against the Pacers on Friday.
Analysis: Trent Jr. went off and had his best game of the year when the Bucks absolutely needed it most. Facing what would've been a 3-0 series deficit with a loss and with Damian Lillard failing to score in double figures, Trent Jr. poured in 37 points and nine made three-pointers. Trent Jr. and Giannis Antetokounmpo became the only Bucks duo to have at least 35 points each in a playoff game. With Lillard struggling since returning from injury, Milwaukee might need to count on Trent Jr. for another big performance as they look to even the series in Game 4 Sunday. |
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Giannis Antetokounmpo has 37/12/6 line in Game 3
Fri, Apr 25, 2025, 4:37 PM
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 37 points (14-of-19 FGs), 12 rebounds, six assists and one steal in the Bucks' 117-101 victory over the Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference playoffs on Friday.
Analysis: Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks Friday. He had 37 points on 19 shots and nine made free throws. The 30-year-old power forward had 12 rebounds to earn a double-double and was four assists away from a triple-double. Giannis' domination of the Pacers is likely to continue for the rest of the series, though whether the Bucks can even up the series Sunday in Game 4 will largely depend on the support from his supporting cast. |
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Bobby Portis Bobby Portis pours in 28 points, six threes
Tue, Apr 22, 2025, 3:56 PM
Bobby Portis provided a boost off the bench with 28 points (11-of-19 FGs), 12 rebounds, one assist, one block and six three-pointers in Game 2 against the Pacers on Tuesday.
Analysis: With Brook Lopez rendered ineffective, head coach Doc Rivers turned to Portis to take on more minutes at center. Lopez only played 16 minutes after playing 21 minutes in Game 1, while Portis went from playing 25 minutes in Game 1 to playing 31 minutes on Tuesday. Though it didn't change the result of this game, things went well with Portis on the floor. With Game 3 coming on Friday, we'll see if this was a rotational adjustment that Rivers will continue to roll with or if this was simply because Portis was having a strong night shooting the ball. |
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Kyle Kuzma Kyle Kuzma records actual stats in Game 2 loss
Tue, Apr 22, 2025, 3:53 PM
Kyle Kuzma bounced back on Tuesday and finished with 12 points (5-of-10 FGs), three rebounds and one assist in Game 2 against the Pacers.
Analysis: Kuzma's historically poor Game 1 performance made plenty of rounds on social media over the last few days, but he was more productive in Game 2. He still wasn't great, but after getting 22 minutes of cardio in Game 1's 19-point loss, Kuzma was able to chip in some stats on Tuesday. Way to go Kuz! With the series shifting to Milwaukee for Game 3 on Friday, Kuzma will look to be the player that the Bucks were hoping he'd be when they traded for him at the deadline. The last time he played a game in Milwaukee was the regular season finale; he had 22 points in the first quarter before being shut down for the remainder of that game. We'll see if he can tap back into that shooting prowess. |
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Antetokounmpo tallies 34/18/7 line in Game 2 loss
Tue, Apr 22, 2025, 3:49 PM
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 34 points (14-of-20 FGs, 6-of-10 FTs), 18 rebounds, seven assists and one block in a 123-115 loss to the Pacers in Game 2 on Tuesday.
Analysis: Just like in Game 1, Indiana didn't have any answers for Giannis. Also like in Game 1, that wasn't enough for Milwaukee to get a win. Antetokounmpo has averaged 35 points and 15 rebounds through the first two games of this series, and while he got more help on Tuesday, it still wasn't enough. There's no reason to think Giannis won't continue to put up dominant numbers for this entire series, but other players will need to step up (like Bobby Portis did in this game) if the Bucks are going to comeback in this series. Game 3 will be in Milwaukee on Friday. |
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Damian Lillard Damian Lillard held to 14 points in return
Tue, Apr 22, 2025, 3:46 PM
Damian Lillard returned to the lineup on Tuesday and contributed 14 points (4-of-13 FGs), three rebounds, seven assists and two three-pointers against the Pacers in Game 2.
Analysis: Prior to this game, Lillard last played on March 18 due to a deep vein thrombosis in his calf. He missed 15 games before finally returning to play in Game 2 of this series. However, his return wasn't enough for Milwaukee to even things up. Head coach Doc Rivers didn't give a set minutes restriction for Lillard before the game, and he ended up logging 37 minutes. Though he didn't play particularly well, Lillard playing a full workload is an encouraging sign. Game 3 isn't until Friday, so Lillard will have time to recover after his first game in over a month. |
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Damian Lillard Damian Lillard (calf) good to go for Game 2
Tue, Apr 22, 2025, 7:40 AM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reports Damian Lillard (calf) will be available for Game 2 on Tuesday.
Analysis: Lillard has not played since March 18 due to a deep vein thrombosis in his calf, but he'll be available for Game 2 after Milwaukee got smoked in Game 1. Lillard did some chirping with Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam from the bench in that one, so expect him to be fired up when he takes the court on Tuesday. |
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Damian Lillard Damian Lillard practices Monday, close to return
Mon, Apr 21, 2025, 8:27 AM
Eric Nehm
The Athletic's Eric Nehm reports that Damian Lillard practiced on Monday and has gone through live scrimmages the last two days.
Analysis: Nehm quotes head coach Doc Rivers as saying: âHe's close. He looks great to me.â When asked about Dame's availability for Game 2, Rivers was non-committal, opening the door for a potential return earlier than expected. For now, we'll consider Lillard questionable for Game 2. Keep a close eye on his status ahead of Tuesday's tip-off from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. |
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Kyle Kuzma Kyle Kuzma shutout in Game 1 loss vs. Pacers
Sat, Apr 19, 2025, 9:57 AM
Kyle Kuzma had zero points (0-of-5 FGs) in 22 minutes against the Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs on Saturday.
Analysis: The story of Game 1 for the Bucks was the supporting cast letting down Giannis Antetokounmpo with Damian Lillard sidelined. No one was a bigger letdown than Kuzma, the Bucks' trade deadline acquisition, who failed to record any stats in his 22 minutes. Kuzma was a living embodiment of the Tony Snell meme in Game 1 as the Bucks lost by nine. He'll look to turn things around over the rest of the series, though overall he certainly hasn't been as impactful as the Bucks imagined when he was acquired. |
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