For the final 5 video games, the Milwaukee Bucks have been with out two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The 29-year-old is coping with a lingering calf damage. On April 9, Antetokounmpo injured his calf vs. the Celtics and left that recreation early. Milwaukee’s all-star PF has already been dominated out for Sport 3 of the primary spherical vs. the Pacers.Â
This may get Giannis’ sixth straight recreation missed and the collection shifts to Indiana. Milwaukee took Sport 1 at residence however then misplaced in Sport 2 to the Pacers. NBA insiders are fearful that Antetokounmpo may not be capable to return this collection. Which means Damian Lillard might must will the group to victory to have an opportunity on the second spherical.
When will Giannis Antetokounmpo return for the Milwaukee Bucks?
The Bucks have formally dominated out Giannis Antetokounmpo for Sport 3 tonight towards the Pacers, and not possible he’s again Sunday both.
There continues to be critical doubt on if Giannis will even return in any respect this collection. pic.twitter.com/9w17hhG0rg
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) April 26, 2024
In the course of the 2023-24 common season, Giannis Antetokounmpo performed in 73 video games for the Bucks. Sadly, he suffered a calf damage three video games earlier than the common season ended. That’s left the eight-time all-star off the court docket for his or her final 5 video games. Tonight’s matchup vs. the Pacers might be his sixth straight recreation missed. Not best for the Bucks who’re attempting to make it out of the first-round. Media personnel have questioned whether or not Giannis is wholesome sufficient to return within the first spherical.
That’s the reason Milwaukee went out and bought Damian Lillard this offseason. He scored 35 factors in a Sport 1 win and had one other 34 of their Sport 2 loss to the Pacers. Lillard goes to wish that kind of manufacturing all collection if the Bucks need an opportunity to win. Antetokounmpo was accounting for (30.4) factors per recreation in the course of the 2023-24 common season and Milwaukee is lacking that manufacturing within the 2024 playoffs. The Bucks do not need a participant that may make up for the All-NBA manufacturing that Antetokounmpo brings.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as out for immediately’s recreation.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 26, 2024
On the highway in Sport 3, the Pacers are favored to win by six factors. It’s going to take a full group effort for Milwaukee to no less than cut up one of many subsequent two video games. They may stay with the collection being tied 2-2 and heading again to Milwaukee for Sport 5. The Bucks want their position gamers to step up and have a bigger impression on the sport. Khris Middleton is averaging lower than 20+ factors per recreation on this collection. Milwaukee merely wants Middleton to be one other constant scorer to assist out Damian Lillard. That recreation will tip off at 5:30 p.m. EST.