Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Bucks Make Big Announcement on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 6:26 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks need a win on Tuesday. They enter Game 2 of their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers down 1-0 after losing Game 1 on Saturday in a 117-98 blowout.

It's not exactly a must-win situation for the Bucks on Tuesday, but they will put themselves at an advantage if they're able to steal one road game from the Pacers before the series shifts to Milwaukee for Games 3 and 4.

The Bucks received a major boost before tip-off on the Damian Lillard front. The nine-time All-Star has been out of action for 15 straight games after previously being diagnosed with a potentially season-ending blood clot injury.

Lillard revealed on Tuesday morning that he had every intention of suiting up for Game 2, but it wasn't until roughly an hour before the game started that the Bucks made it official.

As reported by beat reporter Eric Nehm of The Athletic, it was head coach Doc Rivers who made the big announcement on Lillard's official status for Tuesday's clash.

"Bucks coach Doc Rivers tells reporters that Damian Lillard will start tonight and then he will rely on Lillard to be honest about what he’s feeling and how he’s feeling in his return," reported Nehm.

This is an undeniably huge development for the Bucks, who will now get Lillard back for Tuesday's pivotal matchup.

Giannis Antetokounmpo did all he could for Milwaukee in Game 1, finishing with a monster 36-point, 12-rebound double-double. It still wasn't enough.

The former back-to-back MVP gets the Robin to his Batman back for Game 2, and despite the fact that Lillard might not be 100% healthy, it's still much better than seeing the seven-time All-NBA point guard sitting on the bench in street clothes.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: