Giannis Antetokounmpo

Prediction: Makes a return to the lineup

The Milwaukee Bucks managed to pull off a double-figure Game 5 victory over the Atlanta Hawks without two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. He hyperextened his left knee in Game 4 and at the time, many feared the severity of the injury was more significant given how awkwardly he landed.

There is still time for Antetokounpmo to make a return to the lineup with the Bucks having won Game 5. The Bucks’ winning 123-112 over the Hawks was a significant development for the team’s chances of getting Antetokounmpo back before a potential end to their playoff run.

According to Yahoo! Sports Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes, there is a ‘belief’ that Giannis Antetokounmpo would be given the ‘green light’ to return for Game 7 if the Hawks were to pull off a victory in Game 6.

There’s belief Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) would be given the green light for a potential Game 7 if Hawks avoid elimination in Game 6 on Saturday, league sources tell Yahoo! Sports.

The real question becomes a matter of how effective will Giannis Antetokounpmo be for the Bucks after a potential return to the lineup? While he won’t be at 100-percent, where will he be at physically? Those are questions that are far too early to have answers but will certainly influence whether the Bucks can pull off a successful championship run.

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Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and, of course, Brook Lopez, will be needed to continue stepping up in a major way if Antetokounmpo is limited in his impact. Lopez led all-scorers in Game 5 with a total of 33 points with Middleton (26) and Holiday (25) combining for 51 points, in addition.

Meanwhile, Trae Young is dealing with a bone bruise in his foot and was unable to play in the previous two games of the the Eastern Conference Finals. He is currently listed as questionable.