Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers final injury report (Game 5, April 29, 2025) - Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight?

The Milwaukee Bucks face elimination tonight in Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers, trailing 3-1 in their first-round playoff series. With their season on the line, all eyes are on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status. Here’s the latest on the star’s availability and what it means for the Bucks.

Milwaukee Bucks fans can exhale—Giannis Antetokounmpo is officially off the injury report and will suit up for tonight’s must-win game. Despite nursing a left calf strain that sidelined him late in the regular season, the two-time MVP has been a dominant force in this series. His Game 4 performance (28 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists) silenced any doubts about his ability to play through discomfort.

- Last 5 games vs. Pacers: 33.8 PPG, 13.4 RPG, 5.4 APG
- Career elimination games: 23.8 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 3.5 APG
No setbacks have been reported, and barring a last-minute warm-up issue, Giannis will take the floor with everything at stake.


Giannis isn’t just a scorer—he’s the engine that drives Milwaukee’s system. Here’s why his availability is pivotal:

- Forces double teams, creating open shots for teammates like Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez.
- Elevates transition play with his unmatched speed and finishing at the rim.

- Switches seamlessly across positions, disrupting the Pacers’ ball movement.
- Anchors the paint with rim protection, deterring Indiana’s drives.
Beyond stats, Giannis brings championship experience and a relentless mentality. The Pacers, while explosive, lack his playoff-tested resolve.

Indiana’s youth and speed have overwhelmed Milwaukee at times, but Giannis has historically risen to elimination-game pressure. The Bucks’ title hopes hinge on him delivering another signature performance.
Factors working in Milwaukee’s favor:
- Giannis’s dominance vs. Pacers: His recent numbers suggest he can exploit their defense.
- Pacers’ inexperience: This core hasn’t closed a playoff series before.
Challenges ahead:
- Supporting cast: Middleton and Damian Lillard must step up to avoid overreliance on Giannis.
- Pacers’ momentum: Indiana’s confidence is sky-high after three straight wins.
Giannis Antetokounmpo gives the Bucks a fighting chance, but winning three consecutive games—including two in Indianapolis—is a tall order. Tonight’s Game 5 will reveal whether Milwaukee’s star can ignite a comeback or if the Pacers will advance to the next round.




- Limit turnovers against Indiana’s fast breaks.
- Bench players like Bobby Portis must contribute defensively.
- Contain Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking early.