If being without their leading scorer wasn't enough, the Bucks have also been without their second-leading scorer lately.
Damian Lillard played in Games 1-3 of Milwaukee's first-round series with the Pacers in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, but the eight-time All-Star aggravated an Achilles injury in Game 3. The injury turned him into a decoy down the stretch of Game 3 and kept him out of Games 4 and 5.
Surprisingly, the Bucks managed to defeat the Pacers in Game 5 without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard to keep their season alive. That sets the stage for an important Game 6, where Milwaukee will look to extend its season again and force a Game 7.
Will Lillard be available to play? The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates below.
MORE: Complete list of winners for NBA's end-of-season awards
Is Damian Lillard playing tonight?
Lillard will return to Milwaukee's lineup for Game 6, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
The Bucks originally listed Lillard as doubtful for Game 6. He was then upgraded to questionable and was considered to be a game-time decision.
Lillard is dealing with right Achilles tendinitis. He was initially listed as doubtful for both Game 4 and Game 5 before being ruled out.
After Game 5, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said he thought Antetokounmpo and Lillard were both "very, very, very close" to returning.
Through three games, Lillard is averaging 32.3 points and 5.3 assists in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
What time is Bucks vs. Pacers tonight?
- Date: Thursday, May 2
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET | 3:30 p.m. PT
The Bucks and Pacers will face off in Game 6 on Thursday, May 2. The game is scheduled to tip off around 6:30 p.m. ET from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN.
What channel is Bucks vs. Pacers?
- Date: Thursday, May 2
- TV channel: TNT
- Live streaming: Sling TV
Game 6 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.
Bucks vs. Pacers schedule, TV channels
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Sunday, April 21 | Bucks 109, Pacers 94 | 7 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| Tuesday, April 23 | Pacers 125, Bucks 108 | 8:30 p.m. | NBA TV, Sling |
| Friday, April 26 | Pacers 121, Bucks 118 (OT) | 5:30 p.m. | ESPN, Sling |
| Sunday, April 28 | Pacers 126, Bucks 113 | 7 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| Tuesday, April 30 | Bucks 115, Pacers 92 | 9:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| Thursday, May 2 | Game 6 at Pacers | 6:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| Saturday, May 4 | Game 7 at Bucks* | TBD | TNT, Sling |
*If necessary
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >
