Bobby Portis ejected for scuffle as Bucks NBA Playoffs dream in tatters after Pacers take 3-1 lead

With Damian Lillard joining Giannis Antetokounmpo in the treatment room, the last thing that the Milwaukee Bucks needed was to lose another star from their lineup.

But Bobby Portis Jr. clearly didn't get the memo as he lost his cool with Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard and was ejected in the first quarter of Game 4. The Bucks were already trailing in the series and many feared their time in the NBA Playoffs could be over after it was announced that Lillard would be absent after aggravating an Achilles tendon injury in Game 3.

Seven minutes into Game 4 both Portis and Nembhard got locked up when contesting for a rebound, and things got heated as the Pacers guard shoved his rival off with force. Portis reacted badly, shoving his opponent back and then appearing to catch him in the face with another swipe.

The play was reviewed and both players were awarded technical fouls, but Portis was awarded a second for his extended reaction and was ejected from the game. Portis had started well with four points, but the Bucks missed his presence in the second half and were dominated by the Pacers, losing 126-113 to put them on the brink.

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It was a physical start to Game 4, with five technical fouls called by the officials within the first 6:59 of action. Portis was played by Nembhard, and it cost his team on Sunday and potentially ended their entire season unless the Bucks can navigate a major escape.

Milwaukee has been short-handed since April 9, the last time that former NBA MVP Giannis played a game. He strained his calf in an impressive win over the Boston Celtics and is close to a return according to head coach Doc Rivers after he worked out on Sunday.

"He moved. He shot. He's running with no resistance. Those are all very good signs," Rivers said. "I think there's a chance for him to play in this series, I really do.

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But unless Giannis returns on Tuesday for Game 5, he may have to wait until next season. The Bucks may be weaker without Giannis, but Lillard has stepped up in his absence and is averaging 32.3 points, 5.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in the series. His absence was costly on Sunday, and although his return hasn't been ruled out, it remains doubtful.

Lillard has been dealing with Achilles issues for weeks, but his luck finally ran out in Game 3. His right foot was seen in a boot on Saturday, and he skipped a session on Sunday to undergo an MRI and reveal the extent of the problem.

Rivers refused to go into details about Lillard's injury status, as he told reporters "just Achilles stuff" when being asked. The Bucks have to win on Tuesday, but they'll have the crowd on their side as the series heads back to Milwaukee.