MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks open their first round NBA playoff series against the Indiana Pacers Saturday afternoon at Indiana.

The status of Damian Lillard, who has a blood clot in his right calf, remains a major storyline.

While ESPN has reported Lillard will not play in Game 1, the Bucks aren’t going that far. The Bucks said they’re encouraged with Lillard’s progress.

Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said the “team is following protocol” on Lillard and he “doesn’t know” if Lillard will be available in the first round.

The Bucks didn’t have an injured Giannis Antetokounmpo last year, but Lillard missed two games when the Pacers upset the Bucks four games to two in the first round.

This year, the Pacers have a home court advantage, but the Bucks won three of four regular season meetings.

“It’s about knowing their personnel,” said Bucks forward Bobby Portis. “Sometimes it comes down to who wants it most.”

The Bucks are seeded fifth in the Eastern Conference this year. It’s the Bucks’ lowest seed since 2018.

They did finish the regular season with an eight-game winning streak.

“We’ve been building good habits. But this is the postseason,” said Antetokounmpo. “The regular season means nothing.”

Rivers said center Jericho Sims should be available for this series. Sims has been out since mid-March with a thumb injury.