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Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard attempting to return for Bucks' critical Game 6

Five games into their first-round playoff series, the No. 3 seed Milwaukee Bucks face a 3-2 series deficit against the No. 6 seed Indiana Pacers. Headed into a crucial Game 6, Milwaukee may still be without its two biggest stars.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been out since early April after suffering a calf strain against the Celtics near the end of the regular season. Damian Lillard has missed each of the Bucks' last two games after suffering a knee injury then an Achilles injury during Game 3 of the series.

Head coach Doc Rivers thinks Antetokounmpo and Lillard are "very, very close" to making their return, but with a win-or-go-home Game 6 in Indianapolis Thursday night, it's possible their returns won't come in time.

Here's the latest injury report for the Bucks' two stars.

Injured Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard, left, guard AJ Green and injured forward Giannis Antetokounmpo are shown during the second half of their playoff game Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Indiana Pacers 115-92.
Injured Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard, left, guard AJ Green and injured forward Giannis Antetokounmpo are shown during the second half of their playoff game Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Indiana Pacers 115-92.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard injury news

As of 6:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, Antetokounmpo (calf) is listed as out, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. Lillard (Achilles) has been upgraded to active and will play, according to the same report after he was listed as doubtful this morning.

A previous report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski indicated both of them are trying to make their returns for the critical Game 6.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers: How to watch Game 6

  • Date: Thursday, May 2

  • Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

  • Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Cable TV: TNT; truTV

  • Streaming: Max; YouTube TV; fuboTV

HOW TO WATCH: Watch the 2024 NBA Playoffs with a subscription to fuboTV

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bucks injury report: Latest on Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard