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via Imago
Feb 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) on the floor after a play against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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via Imago
Feb 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) on the floor after a play against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Bucks aren’t taking any chances with injuries. They made some roster moves to stay ready, and the biggest one? Bringing in Kyle Kuzma. If Giannis Antetokounmpo or Damian Lillard go down, Milwaukee won’t have to panic. Kuzma gives them a reliable third scorer who can pick up the slack. And that time has come.
The Bucks are in a tough spot for this one as they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Antetokounmpo’s dealing with a calf strain, so he won’t be back until after the All-Star break. And just when they needed Damian Lillard to step up, he’s out too—his hamstring isn’t letting him suit up.
He was listed as probable, but since then has been downgraded as reported by Eric Nehm. The Bucks are barely hanging on and desperately need the All-Star break to reset. At this point, they’re just hoping to come out of it with a fully healthy squad.
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Bucks coach Doc Rivers tells reporters that Damian Lillard will not play tonight vs. the Timberwolves, but Pat Connaughton will be active. https://t.co/ttkNXwhvz8
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) February 12, 2025
But before that, they’ve got work to do. They’re chasing that fourth seed in the East, sitting just a game behind the Pacers. Problem is, they’ve been in a slump, losing six of their last eight. To make matters worse, the Pistons are breathing down their necks, only one game back from knocking them down to fifth.
Through it all, Lillard has been putting up solid numbers—25.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. He’s shooting 45.2% from the field and knocking down 38.2% of his threes.
But Dame is expected to show up for the All-Star weekend. Surprising right?
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Damian Lillard wants to go for the three peat
The Bucks will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard against the Timberwolves in their final game before the All-Star break. Giannis is dealing with a calf strain that’ll keep him out for weeks, meaning no All-Star Game for him.
Lillard, on the other hand, isn’t ruling out All-Star Weekend despite his hamstring issue, Marc Stein reports. He’s the favorite to win the three-point contest over Buddy Hield and Tyler Herro, and he’s chasing a three-peat. This would be his ninth All-Star appearance, second with the Bucks. But let’s be real—if he can’t play in a regular-season game, can he suit up for an exhibition event? That doesn’t send out the right message.
Sure, the All-Star Game isn’t exactly high-intensity. With the new format, four teams race to 40 points, so it’s more of a light workout than a real game. Even so, seeing Lillard sit out a crucial matchup, but possibly play on Sunday isn’t sitting well with everyone.
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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Eastern Conference guard Damian Lillard (0) of the Milwaukee Bucks makes a three point basket from half court against the Western Conference All-Stars during the fourth quarter in the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
There’s still time for him and the team to pull the plug if rest is the better call. Either way, the three-point contest is set for Saturday, and the All-Star Game happens Sunday in San Francisco.
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Debate
Can Kyle Kuzma really fill the shoes of Giannis and Lillard during this critical stretch?
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Can Kyle Kuzma really fill the shoes of Giannis and Lillard during this critical stretch?
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