“Miserable” Damian Lillard Misses Out Team Practice Alongside Injured Giannis, 4 Days Before Playoffs

The Milwaukee Bucks did not have a particularly grand end to their regular season games, losing both the final two. But of course, both games did not have Giannis Antetokounmpo and one didn’t have Damian Lillard. Not to mention, it was a grueling season for the team. Dame’s arrival in Milwaukee did cause a lot of adjustments to take place – on either side. And then there was the mid-season coach change. Obviously, there is a period of familiarization for that. Yet, it would seem like Lillard still finds it hard to embrace the city as he did at Portland.

Stephen A. Smith called him “miserable” in his latest podcast episode. And that was purely based on his off-court behavior and the difference in his favored destination vs Milwaukee. Before the All-Star break, the 8x All-Star had admitted the struggles he was facing in the “Brew City”. Under such circumstances, the latest update from Coach Rivers is concerning for the Bucks. The Athletic beat reporter Eric Nehm tweeted, “Bucks coach Doc Rivers tells reporters that Giannis Antetokounmpo, AJ Green, and Damian Lillard did not practice today.”

Damian Lillard suited up for the Orlando matchup with sore adductor muscles. And although he had an imaging done on them, everything looked fine on the inside. But it seems he would need more rest to get back to full health. Well, aside from Dame, what about Giannis and Green?

The ‘Greek Freak’ had been dealing with a left calf strain that saw him miss the final three games of the season. Antetokounmpo was diagnosed with a strained soleus after the Bucks’ win over Boston last Tuesday. Doc hadn’t provided much in the way of an answer; just that he was getting better faster, but the medical team has yet to clear him for Sunday’s game.

As for AJ, he suffered a left ankle sprain on Wednesday’s Magic game and has been out since. His status for the postseason is also yet to be revealed. Going back to Lillard, Stephen A. had taken a dig at the Bucks and him before he tried a more tactical and subtle approach on his podcast.

Damian Lillard isn’t happy with others writing his narrative

In the latest episode of ESPN’s NBA Countdown, Smith was sure the Pacers would crush the Milwaukee Bucks. He also stated how the franchise should strongly consider trading Damian Lillard come summer. “I don’t think he wants to be there. I don’t think his play looks like he wants to be there.”

This didn’t sit well with Dame, nor the thousands of Bucks fans. The California native wasted no time commenting on the above video, “Captain planet.” In fact, the comment is pinned under the post. He called out the veteran analyst for telling tall tales when he had no intention of leaving the city.

In the past, he admitted to difficulties but was also appreciative of the love and support of the Milwaukee community. Before the All-Star break, he admitted that his “life was set up” in Portland and his family lived down the street. “It was a great situation. So just leaving that behind alone is a lot.”

Well, with such open comments, the Bucks fans will appreciate the honesty but will nevertheless be looking forward to his performance in the playoffs.

That’s pressure, no doubt!