The Indiana Pacers will begin their playoff run on Saturday afternoon when they take on the Milwaukee Bucks. This is a matchup that is familiar to Pacers fans as these two teams also met up in the first round of last year's playoffs. Last year, the Pacers eliminated the Bucks in six games, and they are hoping that history will repeat itself this season as well.
One of the biggest storylines to follow in the first round of the playoffs is the status of Bucks All-Star guard Damian Lillard. Lillard has not appeared in a game since the middle of March due to a blood clot in his calf, and though reports are indicating that he is progressing, his availability for the Pacers series was up in the air. However, a recent update surfaced that provided a lot more clarity on Lillard's situation and what it means for the series.
Damian Lillard receives a new update ahead of the playoffs
Lillard is a crucial part of Milwaukee's success, but the team has been fine in his absence as they won each of their final eight games. Even so, the team is hopeful he will return as soon as possible as he provides a different dynamic on the court, especially on offense. However, according to NBA insider Shams Charania, though Lillard is progressing, he will miss the start of the playoffs. Regardless, according to Charania, "there remains optimism" that Lillard will be cleared at some point during the playoffs.
With Lillard still on the sidelines, this puts the Bucks at a big disadvantage against the Pacers, especially on offense. However, this remains an important storyline that both teams will want to monitor throughout the postseason.
The Pacers and Bucks should be in for a close series coming up. Though both teams have a lot going for them, they each have their obstacles they must overcome as well. Luckily for Indiana, they have homecourt advantage and have the edge over Milwaukee in a few different areas.
If Lillard does return at some point in the series, it could make things that much more challenging for the Pacers. However, if he does not, the Pacers will be in a good position to eliminate Milwaukee in the first round of the playoffs and end their season early for the second consecutive season.