Giannis Antetokounmpo’s health
In Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, every NBA fan around the world held their breath as Giannis Antetokounmpo went down clutching at his left knee after appearing to hyperextend it while defending a lob pass intended for Clint Capela of the Hawks. Nobody ever likes to see players get injured, regardless if they are on the opposing team and given all the injuries we have seen this year, a potential significant injury to Giannis was the last thing anybody wanted to see.
Fortunately, Giannis’ MRI revealed no structural damage to the ligaments in his knee and they classified the injury as a hyperextended left knee. This is still a major injury and the Milwaukee Bucks will be very cautious with him, but given how serious this knee injury looked at first glance, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are extremely lucky.
Since suffering the injury in Game 4 of the ECF against the Hawks, Giannis has not played in a game for Milwaukee, but he has been doing some work off-the-court. He has participated in some weight room activities, as well as some individual work on the court with trainers and the coaching staff.
His availability for Game 1 of the NBA Finals is definitely in question, but there is a growing sense of belief that he will be able to play for the Bucks at some point in this series. Milwaukee needs Giannis Antetokounmpo on the court in some capacity to win a championship, which is why he is doing everything he can to be out there for his team.
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Giannis’ health is a major X-Factor in this series not only because he is a 2x league MVP and the leader of the Bucks, but because he runs the risk of re-injuring his knee. If Antetokounmpo plays in Game 1 of the NBA Finals and tweaks his knee again, he will be out for the remainder of this series, which is bad news for the Bucks.
Making sure he is as close to 100% as possible is essential for the Bucks and their chances to win a title. Rushing him back too soon from what appeared to be a really bad looking injury could not only hurt the Bucks this year, but for years to come if Giannis hurts his knee any further.
All eyes will be on the Milwaukee Bucks leading up to Game 1 of this series and whether or not Giannis Antetokounmpo will be cleared to play. He is arguably the best player in the NBA and his health is the biggest X-Factor/obstacle in this series against the Phoenix Suns.
