Doc Rivers: Damian Lillard Injury ‘Not Very Promising’ After Bucks’ Game 4 Loss

The Bucks’ night went from bad to worse in a hurry.

After a lopsided 129-103 loss to the Pacers in Game 4 on Sunday, Milwaukee also found itself facing a nightmare scenario: an apparent Achilles injury to Damian Lillard.

“Just being honest, it’s not very promising,” coach Doc Rivers told reporters afterward. “I knew it right away. I felt bad for him. The guy tried to come back for his team. Blood clot, followed by this. It’s just tough.”

It’s been a brutal couple of months for Lillard, who had only just returned in Game 2 after dealing with blood clots in his right calf. Now, the Bucks fear the nine-time All-Star could be facing an even bigger setback — one that could knock him out well into next season.

Lillard suffered the injury early in Game 4, going down on a non-contact play after tapping an offensive rebound. He had to be helped to the locker room and never returned. Initial reports indicate there’s concern about a possible Achilles tear.

As for the game itself, it was more of the same from the first two meetings in Indiana. The Pacers raced out to a big lead early and never looked back, overwhelming the Bucks with speed, energy, and shot-making. After clawing back in Game 3, Milwaukee now trails the series 3-1 — and without Lillard, the road back just got a whole lot steeper.

If the early fears are confirmed, Lillard could very well miss the entire 2025-26 season. He’s owed $54 million next year, and his player option for 2026-27 is projected at $58 million — meaning Milwaukee would be dealing with a tough financial hand on top of trying to stay afloat on the court.

Simply put, the Bucks’ season may have slipped away in more ways than one on Sunday night.