The Milwaukee Bucks face a must-win game against the Lakers—only to drop a concerning Damian Lillard update before tip-off.

Although Milwaukee has historically managed well against the Lakers even without Lillard, boasting a 15-7 record in such games, this time, the stakes felt higher. And with good reason!

Back-to-back losses had already raised doubts about their playoff standing, making this matchup a crucial test. Yet, just before the game, the Bucks ruled out Lillard due to calf soreness—a surprising update, considering he was previously listed as Questionable with a groin strain. Now, with a completely different injury keeping him sidelined, Bucks fans have every reason to be concerned. Mind you, LeBron James has been out for more than a week with the same injury. 

Unfortunately, Dame’s absence couldn’t have come at a worse time. In the loss against the Warriors, Lillard, and Giannis Antetokounmpo could barely produce their usual offensive flurry, thanks to Draymond Green & Co.’s elite defense. So, the duo was expected to break their shackles at the Crypto.com Arena.

On the brighter side, this could be an opportunity for the star guard to declutter and prepare for the postseason. In the last six games, the 34-year-old has averaged 19.8 ppg. While it’s a commendable figure, it’s also pretty low comparing his season average of 24.9 ppg.

With only a loss away from giving the 5th spot to the Pistons, the team needs to buckle up for the remaining challenge. Moreover, there’s another serious concern as well. The Bucks listed Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr. in the Probable category. Losing two of their offensive leaders in a must-win game could end up being costly. Anyway, there isn’t any update on their current status yet so, Greek Freak will probably lace up.

Can the Bucks defeat the Lakers without Damian Lillard?

Well, it was expected to be a tough job. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in the backcourt surrounded by elite defenders, the Bucks might find it hard. At the same time, the Milwaukee side also has threatening rim protection with two 7-footers—Giannis and Brook Lopez—taking the frontcourt.

In addition to that, Giannis promised to bring out his “aggressive” best in tonight’s game after the humiliating loss against the Warriors. Draymond Green was on the big man’s toe throughout the game, leaving him no space to breathe. The superstar recorded an embarrassing 5-16 FG. It’s a poor figure for someone who has a career FG% of 55.0. So, a beast is about to get unleashed.

And unleashed he was. The Bucks dismantled the Lakers 118-89, snapping their two-game skid in dominant fashion—even without Lillard. Giannis led the charge, proving Milwaukee could still handle business despite missing their star guard.

Moreover, Damian Lillard, out of action tonight, had charted out an offensive plan for the Bucks. The 9x All-Star found promise in the team’s latest entrant Kyle Kuzma. Despite his 6 ‘9 tall frame, the star barely gets to the paint. However, Lillard has pointed that out. 

After the loss against the Warriors, Dame suggested, “We got to find ways to put him (Kuzma) in position to do what he does well, you know, he is an attacker downhill, gets in the paint. He’s a good playmaker.” So, what do you think? Will Doc Rivers make use of Kuz’s sudden offense surge and make him the second option? Let us know in the comments.