The Bucks have been tested to begin the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Milwaukee entered the postseason with the East's No. 3 seed but was forced to begin its first-round series without two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remains out with an injury.
After falling into a 2-1 deficit against the No. 6 Pacers, the Bucks were hit with more devastating injury news as star guard Damian Lillard is also dealing with Achilles soreness.
Without its two All-Stars, Milwaukee faces an uphill battle if it is going to make it past Indiana and out of the first round.
Here's what you need to know about Antetokounmpo's injury and his status for the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
MORE: Bucks vs. Pacers rivalry hits the playoff stage
What is Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury?
Antetokounmpo is dealing with a left soleus strain. The soleus is a muscle in the calf that starts below the knee and connects to the Achilles tendon.
Antetokounmpo suffered the injury on April 9 and sat out the final four games of the regular season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo limped to the Bucks locker room after suffering a non-contact injury to his calf.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 10, 2024
Hope it's nothing serious 🙏pic.twitter.com/CDiJod7kbY
The nature of Antetokounmpo's injury was scary in that it occurred without contact. Imaging confirmed a calf strain and that Antetokounmpo's Achilles was fully intact.
Antetokounmpo appeared in 73 of 82 games during the regular season. He averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds and a career-high 6.5 assists.
MORE: Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury puts the Bucks in a tough spot ahead of playoff series vs. Pacers
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing in the 2024 NBA Playoffs?
Antetokounmpo remains out for Game 4 against the Pacers, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. ET Sunday.
Milwaukee Bucks say Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and Damian Lillard (Achilles) are out for tonight’s game at Indiana.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 28, 2024
The Bucks were preparing to be without Antetokounmpo for the start of their first-round series against the Pacers, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. There is still hope that he will be able to return "sometime later in the series."
Milwaukee went 45-28 with Antetokounmpo and 4-5 without him in the 2023-24 regular season.
Bucks vs. Pacers schedule, TV channels
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| April 21 | Game 1 at Bucks | 7 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| April 23 | Game 2 at Bucks | 8:30 p.m. | NBATV, Sling |
| April 26 | Game 3 at Pacers | 5:30 p.m. | ESPN, Sling |
| April 28 | Game 4 at Pacers | 7 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| April 30 | Game 5 at Bucks* | TBD | TBD |
| May 2 | Game 6 at Pacers* | TBD | TBD |
| May 4 | Game 7 at Bucks* | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
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