Giannis Antetokounmpo’s latest health update is bad news for the Bucks…
With the Milwaukee Bucks sitting at a 1-1 split heading into Game 3, the health of Giannis Antetokounmpo may very well determine if they can re-take control of the series in Indiana.
Unfortunately, according to the latest update, Giannis isn’t due back for some time and he’s not even at the stage of running or scrimmage in his recovery.
“I’m told [Giannis Antetokounmpo] has at least started to do some stationary jump shooting and that was a big development for him.
But still not much cutting, no scrimmaging, no all-out running yet and those are all natural progressions that he will need to have.
This is the same leg with issues on the Achilles, hamstring, and now calf. Game 3 might be pushing it but I think the Bucks have to be prepared to keep playing on without Giannis.”
The Bucks came out on fire in Game 1 thanks to 35 first-half points from Damian Lillard. Even without Giannis, the Bucks were able to pull away as the Pacers struggled to adjust to the playoff atmosphere.
In Game 2, Indiana responded in a big way by leaning on Pascal Siakam (who dropped 37 points) to lead the team to a blowout win.
They looked much more settled in the second game, and it’s likely how they’ll be playing throughout the rest of the postseason.
Even with Antetokounmpo, many experts and critics said an upset was plausible in this series and the play-in tournament proved that they match up well against the Bucks at full strength.
So, without Giannis, it’s no wonder why the Pacers are outright favored to advance and we saw on Tuesday how dangerous they can be when they’ve got it going offensively.
The only saving grace for the Bucks is that the next game isn’t until Friday, giving Giannis at least two full days of rest and recovery before the team suits up again.
As it stands, he’s unlikely to play this week but with the season on the line, it would be surprising if he didn’t at least try to take the floor before it’s all said and done.
