Giannis Antetokounmpo is the heartbeat of the Milwaukee Bucks franchise. In Game 1 of the team’s series with the Miami Heat, Giannis suffered a back injury from a hard fall. Giannis attempted to finish the game. But the pain was too severe and was pulled before halftime. Now it seems as if the team will need to prepare for their next game without their star. The former MVP has been listed as doubtful on the injury list for Wednesday’s game. Giannis’ production for the Bucks will be an unattainable hole. However, the team must move forward.
The Miami Heat are also dealing with a battle of the injury bug. Heat sharpshooter Tyler Herro broke his hand in the Game 1 matchup. On Tuesday, it was reported that Herro won’t be available unless the team makes the Finals. But the Bucks being without Giannis, could make a trip to the Finals for the Heat a lot easier. Although Reggie Miller believes the Heat losing Herro is worse than the Bucks losing Giannis. Both injuries are bad losses. Check out the video below to see the exact moment of Giannis; injury.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Miss Game 2
Bucks’ superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo (lower back contusion) will not return to Game 1 of Bucks-Heat, per @ShamsCharania.
Giannis sustained the injury on this collision with Kevin Love in the 1st quarter
pic.twitter.com/ep8RFTvVfD
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 16, 2023
However, doubtful doesn’t mean that Giannis has been officially ruled out. But it does seem like the opportunity of seeing him in action will be less likely. The decision to play Giannis could come down to a game-time decision. A decision that the Memphis Grizzlies are currently dealing with as well. Grizzlies star Ja Morant is dealing with a hand injury he suffered in the team’s Game 1 matchup with the Lakers. Even the stars of the game can’t avoid all the injuries happening around the league.
The NBA is a lot more physical than many realize. The league has earned a stigma of being somewhat soft due to acts like flopping. However, these athletes are giving everything they have for one chance at an NBA Finals appearance. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo return before the end of the first-round series? Can the Bucks advance without him? Let us know your thoughts on the Bucks chances in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.