- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 429,597
- Reaction score
- 44
If the Indiana Pacers want to take advantage of Damian Lillard's absence, they better do it Saturday in Game 1 of their NBA playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Saturday's pregame show the Bucks expect the 34-year-old guard to return in Game 2 or Game 3.
Lillard, who averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game this season, hitting 37.6% of his 3-pointers, hasn't played since March 18. He was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right leg.
Charania reported Bucks officials said Lillard's recovery from the blood clot "has never been seen before," and that the guard's stamina as he ramps up will be critical.
Lillard's availability could be a major factor. The Pacers are seeded No. 4 in the Eastern Conference and play the first two games at home. The Bucks are seeded No. 5.
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said he believes if Lillard can play without restriction, the Bucks will win the series. If Lillard cannot, the Pacers will win, Smith said.
(All times ET; *-if necessary)
Game 1, Sat., April 19: at Pacers, 1 p.m.
Game 2, Tues., April 22: at Pacers, 7 p.m.
Game 3, Fri., April 25: at Bucks, 8 p.m.
Game 4, Sun., April 27: at Bucks, 9:30 p.m.
*-Game 5, Tues., April 29: at Pacers, TBA
*-Game 6, Fri., May 2: at Bucks, TBA
*-Game 7, Sun., May 4: Pacers, TBA
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Damian Lillard injury update: Will Bucks star play vs Pacers in NBA playoffs
Continue reading...
ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Saturday's pregame show the Bucks expect the 34-year-old guard to return in Game 2 or Game 3.
Lillard, who averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game this season, hitting 37.6% of his 3-pointers, hasn't played since March 18. He was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right leg.
Charania reported Bucks officials said Lillard's recovery from the blood clot "has never been seen before," and that the guard's stamina as he ramps up will be critical.
Lillard's availability could be a major factor. The Pacers are seeded No. 4 in the Eastern Conference and play the first two games at home. The Bucks are seeded No. 5.
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said he believes if Lillard can play without restriction, the Bucks will win the series. If Lillard cannot, the Pacers will win, Smith said.
Pacers vs Bucks playoff schedule; when do Pacers and Bucks play today, April 19?
(All times ET; *-if necessary)
Game 1, Sat., April 19: at Pacers, 1 p.m.
Game 2, Tues., April 22: at Pacers, 7 p.m.
Game 3, Fri., April 25: at Bucks, 8 p.m.
Game 4, Sun., April 27: at Bucks, 9:30 p.m.
*-Game 5, Tues., April 29: at Pacers, TBA
*-Game 6, Fri., May 2: at Bucks, TBA
*-Game 7, Sun., May 4: Pacers, TBA
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Damian Lillard injury update: Will Bucks star play vs Pacers in NBA playoffs
Continue reading...
