Yahoo Sports

Antetokounmpo disclosed last Friday that he was "not close" to returning to the Bucks lineup before the team was eliminated from the playoffs May 2 after the team's 120-98 loss to the Pacers in Game 6 of the first-round series, Jamal Collier of ESPN.com reports. "I did all the tests I had to do, these like protocols you have to follow and have to check the boxes," Antetokounmpo said. "I wasn't even close at checking the boxes."

Advice: Though head coach Doc Rivers had suggested last week that Antetokounmpo was close to being available to play after missing the final three games of the regular season with a left soleus strain, Rivers' comments may have been an act of gamesmanship. Antetokounmpo ultimately missed all six playoff contests, and his absence likely would have extended into the Eastern Conference semifinal round if the Bucks had advanced, as the 29-year-old estimated that he was running at about 30 or 40 percent speed. He should be closer to full health by the end of May, but Antetokounmpo likely won't have a full offseason to rest up, as he had previously expressed a desire to play for the Greek national team in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Greece will have to first earn a spot in the Olympics through a qualification tournament that will take place in the first week of July, so confirmation on whether Antetokounmpo is healthy should come shortly before that time. Rotowire.com Today, 1:52 pm

Wendell Carter Jr. logged 34 minutes in Sunday’s Game 7 loss to the Cavaliers, tallying 13 points (5-of-10 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), seven rebounds, one assist, three steals, and two 3-pointers.

Advice: After coming off the bench in the series’ first two games, Carter returned to the starting lineup ahead of Game 3 and remained in that role. Sunday’s series decider was his best game of the seven, with WCJ recording series-highs in points and steals. Beginning the season with a Yahoo ADP of 104.5, Carter’s value was again hampered by injuries. He appeared in 55 games this season and has surpassed six just once in his three full seasons in Orlando. Carter has two seasons remaining on his contract. Still, the injury history makes it difficult to trust him entirely in most fantasy leagues, especially when he failed to crack the top 150 in 8- and 9-cat formats. Rotoworld Sunday, 1:56 pm

Giannis Antetkounmpo (left soleus strain) has been ruled out for Game 6 against Indiana on Thursday.

Advice: As expected, Giannis will remain sidelined for Game 6. Bobby Portis is coming off of a 29-point performance and should continue to start in his place. It is unclear if Giannis will be able to return for a potential Game 7. Rotoworld Thursday, 2:35 pm

Antetokounmpo (calf) is considered a game-time decision for Thursday's Game 6 against Indiana, Pat Boylan of Bally Sports Indiana reports.

Advice: Antetokounmpo officially remains doubtful for Thursday's matchup, but reports ahead of tipoff have suggested that the forward is in the mix to return to the court. However, coach Doc Rivers said during his pregame press conference that Antetokounmpo is more doubtful than Damian Lillard (Achilles), who is also a game-time decision. Even though Antetokounmpo would give the Bucks a spark as they attempt to extend their season, it's possible his playing time is monitored if he's cleared to suit up. Rotowire.com Thursday, 2:07 pm

Giannis Antetokounmpo (left soleus strain) is listed as doubtful for the Bucks’ Game 6 matchup against the Pacers on Thursday.

Advice: Antetokounmpo isn’t likely to make his 2024 playoff debut in Game 6. The Bucks star appears set to watch his team try to compete without him after pulling off an impressive Game 5 upset. Bobby Portis will likely continue starting in his place. Rotoworld Wednesday, 2:37 pm