Bucks’ Lillard, Antetokounmpo Play With Restrictions Amid Injury Crisis

MILWAUKEE (AP) — All-Star Damian Lillard made his return to the Milwaukee Bucks‘ lineup on Sunday night against the Miami Heat, despite being placed on a minutes restriction due to a right hamstring strain. He shared this restriction with fellow All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had also recently recovered from injury.

Lillard missed the previous game against Washington on Friday, where the Bucks secured a win without him. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo had been sidelined for five games leading up to the All-Star break because of a left calf strain, but he logged 19 cautious minutes against Washington, as foul trouble also affected his playing time.

“He’s not very patient, obviously, and clearly it affects his rhythm,” Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said about managing Antetokounmpo’s playing time. “But it’s the big picture for us.”

The Bucks are contending with a roster that has been significantly impacted by injuries. Pat Connaughton is out indefinitely due to a calf injury and Bobby Portis Jr. is suspended, further depleting the team’s depth.

In positive news, Taurean Prince resumed action after missing two games with a left ankle sprain and was named to the starting lineup against Miami. Gary Trent Jr. was also available despite a left knee contusion.

Rivers provided insights about Connaughton’s calf issue, describing it as troublesome due to its history in athletes: “Calf injuries are tough. It’s just not a good injury.” Meanwhile, the Bucks’ veteran center, Brook Lopez, has showcased remarkable durability this season, missing only one of the 56 games played so far.

“He’s like a clock and religious about his routine,” Rivers praised. “He takes this job serious. He’s a model of consistency.”

Rivers further expressed concern over the team’s reliance on Lopez, especially with Portis out for an extended period. He emphasized the need for careful management of Lopez’s minutes as he ages and prepares for the final stretch of the season.

“I worry a lot because he’s 37 and he had one stretch with Bobby out the last time where he logged a lot of minutes and you could see that it affected him,” Rivers noted. “This time we’re not going to make the same mistake.”