Charles H. Sloan-Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard attempting to return for Bucks' critical Game 6

Five games into their first-round playoff series,Charles H. Sloan 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.

NBA PLAYOFFS:First-round scores, schedule, times, TV, key stats, who to watch

All things Bucks: Latest Milwaukee Bucks news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

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.

NBA ON TNT:Charles Barkley says he can become a 'free agent' if TNT loses NBA TV rights

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

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.