Giannis Antetokounmpo Harm Setback Provides Strain to Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have been dealt one other main blow, with Giannis Antetokounmpo set to overlook not less than one week after struggling a knee harm.

Antetokounmpo has been identified with a hyperextended left knee together with a bone bruise and will likely be re-evaluated in a single week, leaving his short-term availability unsure as Milwaukee fights to remain alive within the playoff race, in line with ESPN’s Shams Charania.

There was some preliminary reduction inside the organisation after imaging dominated out something extra severe. Head coach Doc Rivers addressed the scenario earlier than Tuesday’s matchup in opposition to Cleveland, confirming the constructive information whereas admitting there may be nonetheless a lot unknown.

“The excellent news was it was actually an excellent picture. There was no harm,” Rivers mentioned earlier than Tuesday’s sport in opposition to the Cavs. “It was actually simply excellent news. However I don’t know the subsequent half [about a timeline].”

The harm occurred throughout Sunday’s sport in opposition to Indiana, the place Antetokounmpo landed awkwardly following a dunk try within the third quarter. Regardless of initially feeling like he may proceed, the Bucks in the end held him out for the rest of the sport.

Rivers additionally gave perception into Giannis’ current stretch since returning earlier this month, suggesting the previous MVP could have been pushing his physique too onerous in restricted minutes.

“He was attempting to suit 35 minutes into 20,” Rivers mentioned assessing Antetokounmpo’s play since his comeback. “Even the final sport he was nonetheless on I feel 28, which is fairly sincere, that’s tight. For a coach, that’s actually tight.”

The timing couldn’t be worse for Milwaukee. With simply 14 video games remaining within the common season, the Bucks are sitting exterior the play-in image and struggling to generate consistency, notably with out their franchise star.

Rivers acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding how the group will method the remainder of Antetokounmpo’s season given their place within the standings.

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