Millennial hoopers battle injuries, early elimination in NBA Playoffs

The GIST: With another weekend of high-stakes hoopla in the books, some superstars are flexing on the hardwood, while others are pre-planning trips to Cancun…or the doctor’s office.

Injury updates: Injuries are still sadly dominating the headlines — especially for the Milwaukee Bucks. Already without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (pronounced ah-det-oh-KOON-boh), the other half of the Bucks’ dynamic duo, Damian Lillard, was sidelined with an Achilles injury in last night’s 126–113 loss to the Indiana Pacers, leaving Milwaukee in a 3-1 series hole.

• It was a different story for the also injured LA Clippers, who’ve won two games without two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, including yesterday’s 116–111 Game 4 win to even their series against the Dallas Mavericks.

Old guard on the brink: It’s not just injuries wreaking havoc on aging superstars. For the first time in more than a decade, the NBA is this close to a second round without hoops icons Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Steph Curry. Curry’s Golden State Warriors didn’t even make the playoffs, while Durant’s Phoenix Suns were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves after last night’s 122–116 L.

• And things aren’t looking good for James’ LA Lakers, who are facing a 3-1 deficit heading into tonight’s 10 p.m. ET Game 5 against the defending champ Denver Nuggets. Could this be the end of an era?