The Bucks' title hopes took a significant blow in one of their final regular-season games.
MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo went down with a non-contact calf injury on April 9 and missed the last three games of the season. The injury is expected to keep the star forward sidelined for the start of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Pacers.
Any absence would be significant for a Bucks team with championship-or-bust expectations. Antetokounmpo has, of course, been crucial to their success, averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game this season.
Will Antetokounmpo be available for Game 1 against the Pacers? The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates below.
NOH: How does Antetokounmpo's injury affect Bucks' series vs. Pacers?
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight?
The Bucks have not released their official injury report for Game 1, but Antetokounmpo is not expected to play.
Earlier this week, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Milwaukee will be without Antetokounmpo "for the start" of the team's first-round series against the Pacers, but is hopeful he can return "sometime later in the series."
If the star forward cannot go for Game 1, his next opportunity to suit up will be Tuesday, April 23 for Game 2.
Antetokounmpo missed nine games this season. The Bucks owned a 4-5 record in those games.
Check back for updates on his status as they become available.
MORE: NBA Playoffs predictions 2024: Steph Noh's expert postseason bracket picks
What channel is Bucks vs. Pacers?
- Date: Sunday, April 21
- TV channel: TNT
- Live streaming: Sling TV
The Bucks and Pacers will face off for Game 1 on Sunday, April 21. The game will air on TNT. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV. Sling is the home for avid sports fans offering a range of sports channels so you can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.
What time is Bucks vs. Pacers tonight?
- Date: Sunday, April 21
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET | 4:00 p.m. PT
Sunday's playoff game between the Bucks and Pacers is scheduled to tip off around 7 p.m. ET from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
Bucks vs. Pacers schedule, TV channels
The first-round series between the Bucks and Pacers will be broadcast on TNT, NBA TV and ESPN. Fans in the U.S. can also stream the series on Sling TV.
Sling is the home for avid sports fans offering a range of sports channels so you can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Sunday, April 21 | Game 1 at Bucks | 7 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| Tuesday, April 23 | Game 2 at Bucks | 8:30 p.m. | NBA TV, Sling |
| Friday, April 26 | Game 3 at Pacers | 5:30 p.m. | ESPN, Sling |
| Sunday, April 28 | Game 4 at Pacers | 7 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| Tuesday, April 30 | Game 5 at Bucks* | TBD | TBD |
| Thursday, May 2 | Game 6 at Pacers* | TBD | TBD |
| Saturday, May 4 | Game 7 at Bucks* | TBD | TNT, Sling |
*If necessary
