Bucks' Khris Middleton: Shines with 40-point double-double
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Middleton recorded 42 points (16-29 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 6-6 FT), 10 rebounds and five assists over 41 minutes in Friday's 121-118 overtime loss to Indiana in Game 3 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Middleton did all he could to help lead Milwaukee to an overtime victory, including hitting the game-tying shot at the end of regulation to send the game to overtime and also tying the game late in overtime, but his 40-point double-double was spoiled in a losing effort. Middleton led all players in Friday's contest in scoring while ending as one of two Bucks with 10 or more rebounds to go along with a handful of assists in a well-rounded outing. If Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) remains out for Game 4, look for Middleton to continue to provide a lift to Milwaukee offensively.
Lillard posted 28 points (6-20 FG, 4-12 3Pt, 12-12 FT), eight assists, three steals and one rebound over 45 minutes in Friday's 121-118 overtime loss to Indiana in Game 3 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Despite leaving Friday's game briefly with a knee injury, Lillard finished the Game 3 contest and led all Bucks players in assists while ending two points shy of the 30-point mark to provide a boost offensively in a losing effort. Lillard, who was perfect from the free-throw line to go along with a team-high-tying mark from three, has posted at least 28 points in all three games of the first round. It will be worth monitoring Lillard's status ahead of Game 4 given his brief exit Friday.
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Bucks' Bobby Portis: Owns glass in double-double showing
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Portis finished with 17 points (7-15 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 18 rebounds, one block and one steal over 44 minutes in Friday's 121-118 overtime loss to Indiana in Game 3 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Portis dominated the boards in Friday's contest, leading all players in rebounds while finishing as one of two Bucks with a double-double in a losing effort in overtime. Portis has stepped in nicely while Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) continues to miss time, recording a double-double in all three games in the first-round series thus far. Portis will likely continue to remain in the starting lineup until Antetokounmpo is able to return, and he would become a key player off Milwaukee's bench if the two-time MVP does come back at some point in the series against Indiana.
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Bucks' Damian Lillard: Returns to Game 3
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Lillard (knee) has returned to Friday's Game 3 against the Pacers, Tony East of SI.com reports.
Lillard went straight to the locker room after suffering an apparent left knee injury with 2:13 remaining in the first quarter, but he was back on the court to start the second period. Khris Middleton is playing through an ankle sprain he suffered in Game 2, and Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) has yet to play this postseason, so Lillard's return is a major relief. The All-Star has scored 69 points through the first two games of the series but struggled in the second half on both matchups, which allowed Indiana to even the series with a Game 2 win Tuesday.
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Bucks' Damian Lillard: Heads to locker room
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Lillard left Friday's Game 3 with 2:13 remaining in the first quarter due to an apparent left knee injury and went to the locker room, Tony East of SI.com reports.
Lillard drove to the basket for a layup and gently collided with Pascal Siakam but landed awkwardly and had to be helped to the bench. Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) has yet to play this postseason, and Khris Middleton is playing through an ankle injury he suffered early in Game 2, so Lillard's potential absence couldn't come at a worse time. AJ Green subbed in for Lillard, but Pat Connaughton and Malik Beasley are also candidates for increased roles until the All-Star point guard can return.
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Bucks' Khris Middleton: Good to go Friday
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Middleton (ankle) will play in Friday's Game 3 against the Pacers, Pat Boylan of Bally Sports Indiana reports.
Middleton has been upgraded from questionable to available Friday despite suffering a right ankle sprain in Game 2. There is no indication that the 32-year-old forward will be on a minutes restriction. Middleton is averaging 19.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 35.5 minutes across the first two games of the series against Indiana.
Livingston (illness) won't play in Friday's Game 3 against Indiana.
Livingston has been downgraded from doubtful to out Friday due to a non-COVID illness. His next chance to suit up will be Game 4 on Sunday.
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Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: Officially ruled out
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Antetokounmpo (calf) has been ruled out for Friday's Game 3 against the Pacers.
Antetokounmpo was doubtful on Milwaukee's initial injury report, and he'll officially miss a sixth consecutive game as the team attempts to regain a lead in the first-round series. His next chance to suit up will be in Game 4 on Sunday.
Livingston is listed as doubtful for Friday's game versus the Pacers due to a non-COVID illness.
Livingston has only logged four total minutes through the first two games of Milwaukee's first-round series against Indiana, so his expected absence shouldn't affect the team's rotation.
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Bucks' Khris Middleton: Questionable for Game 3
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Middleton (ankle) is questionable for Friday's Game 3 against Indiana.
Middleton suffered an ankle injury during Tuesday's Game 2 but was still able to play 36 minutes in the defeat. However, he didn't practice Thursday, and his status for Friday's game is up in the air. He'll presumably be monitored by the Bucks' medical staff in the hours leading up to tipoff before the team reveals his status.
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Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: Doubtful for Friday
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Antetokounmpo (calf) is doubtful for Friday's Game 3 against Indiana.
Antetokounmpo has been putting up shots in recent days but hadn't yet resumed running or cutting as of Wednesday. As a result, he'll likely be unavailable for a sixth consecutive game due to his calf issue. Assuming he's sidelined, his next chance to suit up will be in Sunday's Game 4.
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Bucks' Khris Middleton: Doesn't practice Thursday
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Middleton didn't participate in Thursday's practice session due to a right ankle sprain, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports.
Middleton briefly exited Tuesday's Game 2 against the Pacers due to his ankle injury, and the issue is still bothering him a few days later. Coach Doc Rivers said there is "a little" concern regarding Middleton's availability for Friday's Game 3. The Bucks will likely continue to monitor the 32-year-old in the hours leading up to tipoff, but his absence would be particularly significant if Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) remains out.
