Milwaukee Bucks are ‘optimistic’ Giannis Antetokounmpo will play in Game 2 vs. Miami
Milwaukee Bucks are ‘optimistic’ Giannis Antetokounmpo will play in Game 2 vs. Miami Heat despite being ruled questionable after star missed Tuesday’s practice with a back injury
- Antetokounmpo suffered a lower back contusion after a collision in Game 1
- When Antetokounmpo has missed time this season, the Bucks have gone 11-8
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Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo missed practice on Tuesday and was labeled questionable by the team for Game 2 of its playoff series against the Miami Heat — but the optimism remains.
Antetokounmpo suffered a lower back contusion after colliding with Heat striker Kevin Love.
“We have more than 24 hours for game time, so he’s getting treatment,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said Tuesday afternoon.
“We’ll see how he feels. I think a lot of progress has been made. Hopefully there will be more in the coming days.’
Antetokounmpo has a history of rapid recovery from injuries.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was diagnosed with a lower back contusion after a hard fall
Head coach Mike Budenholzer expressed optimism that his star player may still play in Game 2
Antetokounmpo overextended his right knee during the Eastern Conference Finals and missed the final two games of the Bucks’ 4-2 victory over the Atlanta Hawks two years ago.
But he was named MVP of the NBA Finals after averaging 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds and five assists in the 4-2 win over the Phoenix Suns, including a 50-point performance in the title win.
This season, Antetokounmpo sprained his right wrist just before the All-Star break, but was back in the starting lineup for the Bucks’ next game just four days after leaving for New York to have the wrist examined.
“There is optimism,” Budenholzer added on Tuesday. “Time is a bit on our side, but that equation will turn. But yeah, I’d say we’re optimistic.’
Antetokounmpo has had another fantastic season in which he averaged 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists and shot 55.3 percent from the field.
He was also named a finalist for this year’s MVP award, although it is expected to go to Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.
When Antetokounmpo has missed time this season, the Bucks have gone 11-8.
Talented veterans Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez would be tasked with covering the backlog for their MVP candidate if Antetokounmpo is unable to play on Wednesday.
Antetokounmpo is having another great season in which he averaged 31.1 points