Damian Lillard aggravated an Achilles injury in the fourth quarter of the Milwaukee Bucks' overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 3.

Lillard, who finished with 28 points, did not take a shot in overtime.

"I just wanted to be on the floor in case opportunity came up or however I could help," said Lillard.

Lillard added that his Achilles had been sore since the Bucks' regular season finale.

With the Bucks down 2-1 in the series, Game 4 is on Sunday.

"We're gonna get back and just have to get ahead of it because that's not something that you want to play with ... we have a couple of days to start and try to get ahead of it. Get it feeling better and get ready for Sunday," said Lillard. 

The Milwaukee Bucks have ruled out Giannis Antetokounmpo for Game 3 with a left calf strain.

Antetokounmpo previously missed Games 1 and 2. Antetokounmpo hasn't played since straining his left calf in an April 9 victory over the Boston Celtics. 

Khris Middleton also has a sprained right ankle that kept him from practicing Thursday and puts his status in question for Game 3 in Indianapolis.

Khris Middleton is questionable for Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers with a sprained right ankle.

"It's another holding-our-breath situation. Honestly, I don't know," said Doc Rivers about Middleton's status.

Middleton, who did not practice on Thursday, suffered the injury in Game 2.

The series is tied 1-1.

Rivers added that Giannis Antetokounmpo is "getting close" to returning to the Bucks lineup.

"Does that mean a day, four days? I'm not sure," added Rivers.

The Milwaukee Bucks held practice on Thursday before flying to play at the Indiana Pacers in Game 3. The Bucks and Pacers are tied at 1-1 in the series.

Giannis Antetokounmpo remained out of full participation as he continues to deal with a calf injury.

Doc Rivers said Antetokounmpo "did a lot of floor stuff today, probably the most I've seen."

Antetokounmpo did no live practicing, but advanced beyond just walking through drills by "shooting and moving."

"He's getting close," Rivers said. "But, I don't know what that even means. I'm being honest. I saw him moving around and in my mind I said he's getting close. Does that mean a day, four days? I'm not sure."

The NBA announced the finalists for 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year. The finalists are Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings, Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks and Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

All three players are first-time finalists for Sixth Man of the Year.

Host Danny Leroux and Seth Partnow of The Athletic preview the NBA playoffs.

They break down which series they are most excited for, which are the toughest to call, key match-ups and much more.

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Damian Lillard returned to practice on Wednesday after missing Tuesday's practice with a sore left adductor.

Lillard missed last Friday's regular season game with the injury.

Doc Rivers said he expected Lillard to continue to practice on Friday.

"I'm assuming. I would be surprised [if he doesn't practice]. I'll put it that way," said Rivers.

The Bucks will already be without Giannis Antetokounmpo at the start of their series against the Pacers.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is not expected to be ready for the start of the Milwaukee Bucks' first round series against the Indiana Pacers due to his left calf strain.

The Bucks are hopeful that Antetokounmpo will be able to return during the series based on his ongoing treatment.

Antetokounmpo was also limited during the Bucks' first round series last season against the Miami Heat due to a back issue.

The Eastern Conference seeds are set following the end of regular season on Sunday. The first round begins on Saturday, April 20th.

First Round Matchups

• No. 1 Boston Celtics vs. No. 8 (Sixers, Heat, Bulls or Hawks)

• No. 2 New York Knicks vs. No. 7 (Sixers or Heat)

• No. 3 Milwaukee Bucks vs. No. 6 Indiana Pacers

• No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Orlando Magic

Play-In

• No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers vs. No. 8 Miami Heat

• No. 9 Chicago Bulls vs. No. 10 Atlanta Hawks

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been ruled out for the rest of the regular season due to a calf injury.

An MRI showed no damage to Antetokounmpo's left Achilles tendon.

"Yeah, I'm hoping. I don't know. I'm just hoping," said Doc Rivers when asked if Antetokounmpo would be ready for the playoffs.

The Bucks will begin the playoffs on Saturday, April 20th or Sunday, April 21st.