The Milwaukee Bucks suffered a 129-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the NBA playoffs, facing a 3-1 deficit in their best-of-seven first-round series. Star guard Damian Lillard suffered a likely catastrophic leg injury, compounding the team's challenges as they prepare for Game 5 on the road.
Kevin Porter Jr. provides some hope
Backup guard Kevin Porter Jr. stepped up following Damian Lillard's early exit from Game 4 with a leg injury. Porter finished strong with 23 points, six assists, and five rebounds, offering a silver lining for the struggling Bucks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo carrying a heavy burden
Giannis entered the game averaging 35.7 points and 14 rebounds for the series but had a sluggish first half. Despite this, he managed to finish with 28 points and 15 rebounds. The Bucks relied heavily on him, but even his efforts couldn't match the Pacers' strong performance.
Five numbers
Key statistics highlighting the Bucks-Pacers series include: 1 missed three-pointer by Gary Trent Jr. in the first quarter after scoring 37 points in Game 3; 12 total technical fouls between the teams in four games; 2 games this season where neither Giannis nor Lillard appeared on the injury report; Giannis surpassing 1,000 career playoff rebounds during Game 4; and 28 points ending Giannis's streak of three straight 30+ point games in this series.
Is Giannis playing?
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains available, as he has not been listed on the injury report during the series.
Is Damian Lillard playing?
Damian Lillard was able to return for Game 2 after a blood clot but sustained a significant leg injury in Game 4. His playing status is uncertain moving forward.
Game timing and broadcast details
Game 4 tipped off at 8:30 p.m. CT and was broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin and nationally on TNT, featuring commentators Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson, Melanie Ricks, Ian Eagle, Grant Hill, and Stephanie Ready.
Bucks injury report
Tyler Smith is listed as out with a left ankle sprain.
Bucks starting lineup
The Bucks started Damian Lillard and Gary Trent Jr. as guards, Kyle Kuzma and Giannis Antetokounmpo as forwards, and Brook Lopez at center.
Bucks vs. Pacers odds, over/under
Milwaukee was favored by 3.5 points over Indiana in Game 4, with an over/under set at 227.5 points according to BetMGM.
Playoff series schedule
The series schedule is as follows: Game 4 on April 27 in Milwaukee, Game 5 on April 29 in Indiana, and if necessary, Games 6 and 7 on May 2 and May 4 respectively.
