The Bucks had another injury scare in Game 3 — this time to star guard Damian Lillard.

Milwaukee is already without superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has the first three games of the 2024 NBA Playoffs with a lingering calf injury. Antetokounmpo is not expected to return until “later in the series” at the earliest, meaning responsibility fell on Lillard’s shoulders to fill the franchise player’s shoes.

Lillard did his part in the first two games, averaging 34.5 points to even the series with the Pacers at 1-1. He didn’t get much of a runway to continue that trend Friday, suffering an ankle injury in the first quarter.

While Lillard returned before the end of the first half, he appeared hobbled down the stretch as Milwaukee narrowly lost Game 3.

How serious was Lillard’s injury and will it affect his availability moving forward? The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates below.

Lillard appeared to tweak his ankle early in Game 3, but Bucks coach Doc Rivers later clarified that Lillard is dealing with an Achilles issue.

Lillard drove the lane for a layup and Pacers forward Pascal Siakam stepped on his foot trying to block Lillard’s shot as he landed.

Lillard hobbled to the bench at first, then briefly went to the locker room. Despite returning to the game, it was Khris Middleton who ascended to the role of the Bucks’ go-to scorer down the stretch. 

Rivers said after the game that Lillard “was really struggling” with his lower-leg, even adding that Lillard told him he wasn’t capable of being anything more than a decoy in overtime. The Bucks would lose despite Middleton’s scoring explosion.

Lillard finished the contest, a 121-118 Bucks loss, with 28 points. He played 45 minutes.

Rivers didn’t indicate Lillard’s status for Game 4 on Sunday, but his comments don’t bode well for the point guard’s effectiveness even if he able to suit up in the critical matchup.

The Bucks are dealing with a multitude of injuries, as Giannis Antetokoumpo’s return date remains uncertain with a calf injury while Middleton has been playing through an ankle injury. Milwaukee still needs to win three more games to advance.

The Bucks trail the Pacers 2-1 in the series after dropping Game 3.

You can find the rest of the series schedule below.