The Milwaukee Bucks had a surprising injury in their last game. Doc Rivers went away from the sidelines due to pain in his stomach. However, that didn’t create any problems. Darwin Ham managed the side and Giannis Antetokounmpo put up a historic triple-double. The win against the Philadelphia carried huge implications for the Deer’s season. However, the job is far from finished.

The Bucks still have trouble getting healthy. Notably, Damian Lillard suffered from a deep vein thrombosis taking him out of action indefinitely. Given the dangerous nature of the ailment, there was little hope that he would return. But the Bucks’ postseason hopes have revived after some great news from Shams Charania.

The renowned insider revealed Lillard’s is close to being cleared for basketball action because the diagnosis was caught quickly. Blood thinning medications have worked well for the sharpshooter and he is well in line to be present when the playoffs come around. However, until then, the Bucks have a mission.

They are currently the fifth seed, sitting one game behind the Pistons. A higher seed gives them a better chance to go deep in the playoffs. And the next step to the puzzle is to find a way to win against the red-hot Miami Heat who have won six of their seven games. The question is, are the Greek Freak and Lillard both ready for the matchup?

Milwaukee Bucks injury report

Giannis Antetokounmpo was splendid against the Philadelphia 76ers. He notched up 35 points, 17 rebounds and 20 assists. The two-time MVP fully commanded the game, securing an important win for the Bucks. However, since the All-Star break, he has had a nagging injury on his left foot.

The Greek Freak is suffering from a left foot sprain to be specific. But that hasn’t stopped the dominant forward from playing games. He’s only missed one game since the All-Star break. And his status remains optimistic when facing the Heat. Antetokounmpo is listed as probable for the matchup.

That’s huge news for the Milwaukee Bucks. Antetokounmpo has been a colossal force this season averaging 30.4 points and 11,9 rebounds per game. So having him against an in-form Heat side provides a huge boost for the Bucks.

On the other hand, while Damian Lillard is slated to return this season, it won’t be as soon as tomorrow. According to Charania’s update two days ago, the former Trail Blazers icon will need three to seven days to be cleared for basketball activity. As subline as Damian Lillard has been in his second season with Milwaukee, he found great success against the Heat.

The Bucks haven’t lost any of their three games to Vice City this season. And each time, Damian Lillard managed to put up the most points against them. In three games, he is averaging 31.3 points and 10.3 assists per game against them. It’s his fourth highest scoring mark against any team this season.

Not having him makes things difficult for the Bucks. They have struggled to find a compatent second option in Damian Lillard’s absence. But with their playoff durability on the line, every win matters.

Aside from Lillard, former Knicks high flyer Jericho Sims will also be unavilable as he gets close to returning after underdgoing a surgery to repair a torn ligament in his thumb in mid March.

Milwaukee Bucks probable starting five vs the Heat

Although with Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are far from their full strength. Without Lillard, finding a scoring outlet has been difficult. At times, veteran center Brook Lopez has stepped into the role. Moreover, Kyle Kuzma is also expected to produce with injuries curtailing the Bucks. So far though, consistency has been a problem.

Regardless, there’s a game to play against a formidable team like the Miami Heat. And Doc Rivers will mostly opt for this lineup to start the game.

Even though plagued with injuries, the Bucks are still capable of competing against the Heat. Lookout for the matchup between Antetokounmpo and Miami’s Bam Adebayo as it could prove to be the difference maker. Furthermore, the Bucks’ defense will also be significant in countering Tyler Herro’s scoring acumen.

Who do you think wins this matchup? Let us know your views in the comments below.