All signs point to pair of Bucks stars returning for Game 6

The Bucks lived to fight another day by saving their season on Tuesday.  With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard sidelined, the Bucks — down 3-1 in the series — entered Game 5 against the Pacers as 5.5-point underdogs and were widely expected to be sent packing to Cancun. 

However, Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis combined for 58 points and 22 rebounds as the Bucks forced a Game 6 in Indiana. 

Now, the series is not just alive, the momentum could swing in favor of Milwaukee. That's because the Bucks could get star-studded reinforcements ahead of Game 6. 

After Tuesday's win, Bucks coach Doc Rivers was asked about the injury status of Antetokounmpo and Lillard. 

"I don't know how to answer that," Rivers told reporters. "I think they're very, very, very close."

It's rather telling that Rivers used as many as three "very's" in his response. 

During the game, TNT's Stephanie Ready also said there's strong belief in the Bucks camp that Antetokounmpo and Lillard could return for Game 6. 

The returns of the two stars could be a series-altering development. It could lead to the Bucks making a deep postseason run provided the duo doesn't endure any injury setbacks.

Even if Antetokounmpo and Lillard aren't cleared in time for Thursday's Game 6, the Bucks should feel confident about leveling the series and forcing a Game 7. On Tuesday, they became the first team in NBA history to win a playoff game without their top two scorers from the regular season.