With only five regular season games remaining, the Bucks have picked up pace in the past week. They have won three straight games and are sitting in the fifth seed of the East standings. Sure enough, they hope to extend that winning streak tonight as they face the Pelicans. But this challenge could prove to be more difficult than expected because the Milwaukee team will be playing without their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Yes, The Greek Freak will not suit up tonight. Reason? Left shoulder tendinopathy that has been bothering him for quite some time. He was initially listed as doubtful on the injury report and has been downgraded ahead of tip-off.

Well, Giannis’ absence is a massive blow to the team because he has been their best player all year, averaging 30.5 points and nearly twelve rebounds. In his last five appearances, he has averaged 33.8 points—showing why he is one of the frontrunners to win MVP. After scoring 35+ point triple-doubles twice, once against the Sixers on Thursday and then during yesterday’s Heat clash, Giannis became the third player in league history with consecutive games of 35+ points, 15+ rebounds, and 10+ assists. The other two on that last—Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson. Some elite company indeed.

With him out, the Bucks would be left with a massive void on both ends. Gary Trent Jr., Kyle Kuzma, and Taurean Prince are likely to get significant increase in minutes to make up for Giannis’ unavailability. His next chance to suit up will be on Tuesday against the Wolves. But the Bucks’ problems don’t end there!

Shams Charania drops major Damian Lillard health update as another key star could return for Bucks

Even before the Giannis setback, the Bucks’ season had been plagued with injuries. Obviously, another major blow was Damian Lillard, who got diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf last month and was ruled out indefinitely. He has not suited up since March 18. Considering the diagnosis, many even speculated that he might be done for the season.

However, latest report by veteran insider Shams Charania reveals that there is optimism about Lillard returning sooner than expected. “I’m told his treatment started early… Doctors are encouraged by where it’s at. They see that the blood clot is actually lowering. Its decreasing.” Shams said on The Pat McAfee Show. He continued, “He’s doing some light workouts right now. He’s hopeful to get cleared in the next week or week and a half to go full contact and then resume basketball in games for the Bucks.”

Although Lillard could be out for the remaining regular season games, he might make a comeback in the playoffs, which is great news. Also, Bobby Portis could finally return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Wolves as his 25-game suspension for violating the league’s Anti-drug policy comes to an end. So, the Bucks need to figure out a way to beat the Pels tonight and maybe on Tuesday, they will have their star players back. Do you think they can do it?