The 2023 NBA Playoffs have not gotten off to a good start for the Milwaukee Bucks. Not only did they get handled by the Miami Heat with relative ease in Game 1 of their series, their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, is dealing with a back injury.
Antetokounmpo had a bad fall in the first quarter when he drove to the basket and Kevin Love slid in attempting to take a charge. His feet came out from underneath him as he went up for a layup and came down hard on his back.
While he was able to remain in the game, he eventually went to the locker room for good. Antetokounmpo checked in for his regular rotation in the second quarter but lasted only one minute before exiting.
While he did miss that game, there was optimism that he would be ready to go for Game 2 tonight. All of the tests that Antetokounmpo underwent came back clean. While Antetokounmpo didn’t partake in the practice with his teammates, head coach Mike Budenholzer expressed hope that his superstar would be good to go.
“We have 24-plus hours before game time,” Budenholzer said Tuesday. “He’ll get treatment, we’ll see how he feels. There’s been a lot of progress and hopefully there’s more in the next day or so.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & Miami Heat Updates
Despite the optimism being shown by the head coach, it looks unlikely that he will suit up. He is being listed as doubtful for the game Wednesday night. But, things could change in the hours leading up to it, as Josh Hart was also listed as doubtful for the New York Knicks heading into their Game 2 but he ended up suiting up to play.
“It’ll be everyday things that tell him what he can do,” Budenholzer said about the next steps for Antetokounmpo. “On the court, move a little bit, shoot a little bit, do some defensive things and he’ll get ready for a basketball game. “So we’ll just see how the next day goes.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks & Miami Heat Updates
While the Bucks would certainly prefer Antetokounmpo to be in the game, they have enough talent and depth to overcome his absence for one game. Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton will be tasked with carrying the load and a solid supporting cast is led by Brook Lopez, Grayson Allen, Joe Ingles and Bobby Portis.
While Milwaukee holds out hope that Antetokounmpo can play on Wednesday, the Heat already know the fate of one of their key players. Tyler Herro will be sidelined for 4-to-6 weeks because of a broken right hand which he suffered when he dove for a loose ball in Game 1.
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