Bucks to be Without One Player for Game 5

Jeremy Hanna | Apr 29, 2025

Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on in the final seconds of the game against the Indiana Pacers during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images / Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Bucks are down 3-1 in their series against the Indiana Pacers and are facing playoff elimination.

If they want to make a miraculous comeback, they will need the entire team playing at full force. Unfortunately, it appears that they will be down a player.

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According to the Bucks' official injury report, rookie power forward Tyler Smith will be out of Game 5 with a left ankle sprain.

Injury Update: Tyler Smith is out for tonight’s game at Indiana.

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 29, 2025

Smith has only played 23 games for the Bucks this season, averaging 5.3 minutes played, 2.9 points, 1.1 total rebounds, 0.2 assists, 0.2 blocks, and 0.1 steals per game.

Smith fared better in the Bucks' G League affiliate the Wisconsin Herd, averaging 9.4 points, 6.3 total rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 0.7 steals across 15 games, four of which he started.

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Additionally, star point guard Damian Lillard has been deemed out for the rest of the postseason due to tearing his Achilles tendon.

Lillard hasn't had much of a presence in the playoffs this year, largely because he had just returned from a different serious injury, deep vein thrombosis in his calf.

In the regular season, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 total rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game across 58 games.

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Even without these players, victory for the Bucks seems difficult. Through the entire series, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been carrying the team on his back. In the first four games, The Greek Freak has averaged 33.8 points, 14.3 total rebounds, five assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks.

The rest of the team isn't even matching half of that. If Milwaukee is able to keep Giannis and wants to find more success next season, they are going to have to make some major changes in the offseason.

Fortunately, there have been glimpses from some of their bench players, particularly Gary Trent Jr., Bobby Portis Jr., and Kevin Porter Jr.

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For more news and notes on the Milwaukee Bucks, head on over to Milwaukee Bucks on SI.