Will Giannis Antetokounmpo play today against the Pacers in Game 5 of the first round?

Giannis Antekounmpo is a major doubt for Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs first-round series between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers, which Rick Carlisle’s team have taken control of.

After an opening 109-94 win for the Bucks, the Pacers have forged ahead in the series with three successive victories (125-108, 121-118, 126-113), aided by Milwaukee being without their eight-time NBA All-Star.

What injury does Giannis Antetokounmpo have?

Giannis has not been able to participate in the series at all due to a left soleus (calf) strain, which has kept him sidelined for the three games so far. It was back on 10 April during a Bucks regular season game against the Boston Celtics when Antetokounmpo went to ground and he hasn’t played since; that was 18 days ago.

There is, at least, a small chance of him being available to feature at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday (30 April, tip-off at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT), although the fact he is listed as doubtful suggests that is more hope than expectation.

Shams Charania, The Athletic’s senior lead NBA Insider, revealed the 29-year-old had only just started running at the weekend, which meant there was “pessimism and doubt” over his status.

Bucks injury update: Lillard, Livingston, Beverley, Middleton...

Point guard Damian Lillard is also in the doubtful category because of an achilles issue, although Charania reported he has only just come out of a protective boot and has done nothing more than underwater running, which suggests he is even less likely to play.

The good news is Chris Livingston is available again after a ‘non-covid illness’, while Patrick Beverley and Khris Middleton are marked as probables after recent fitness issues.

A third straight win for Indiana will secure their spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they would play either the Philadelphia 76ers or the New York Knicks.