Giannis Antetokounmpo (left calf pressure) is predicted to stay out via the beginning of the Milwaukee Bucks’ Jap Convention first-round playoff collection towards the Indiana Pacers.
Nevertheless, Antetokounmpo might return someday later within the collection. The 2-time MVP has been present process “around-the-clock therapy on the calf,” in response to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
In accordance to a couple NBA betting websites, the Bucks maintain fourth-best odds to win the championship. Sportsbooks are displaying higher odds for the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Clippers.
ESPN Sources: The Milwaukee Bucks are getting ready to be with out two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for the beginning of their opening spherical collection towards the Indiana Pacers, however are hopeful therapy on his left calf pressure will permit him to return someday later within the collection. pic.twitter.com/8p0wCiRSRl
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 16, 2024
“Till we all know if he’s taking part in or not, we’re going to organize as if he’s not taking part in,” Bucks ahead Khris Middleton mentioned after apply Tuesday. “Easy as that.”
After all, Antetokounmpo was not the one Milwaukee star that was sidelined throughout Tuesday’s apply. Bucks coach Doc Rivers mentioned Damian Lillard sat out after coping with groin and adductor accidents close to the tip of the common season.
Rivers mentioned Lillard acquired an MRI that got here again clear. Lillard hinted following Sunday’s regular-season finale in Orlando that he would possible play injured for the remainder of the season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is the primary NBA participant to common 30 PPG on 60% taking pictures in a season
“We really feel like — let’s get him somewhat extra relaxation,” Rivers mentioned. “He’s nonetheless doing conditioning and stuff like that. … We went [5-on-5] quite a bit right this moment, and we didn’t need him on the market.”
“We wish him to be as near 100% as potential in the event you might be that at this level.”
Antetokounmpo missed the ultimate three regular-season video games after crumpling to the ground with a noncontact harm per week in the past towards the Celtics. It was confirmed that his left Achilles tendon is absolutely intact.
In 73 video games (all begins) this season, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 factors, 11.5 rebounds, a career-high 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.1 blocks, and 35.2 minutes per sport. Plus, he shot a career-best 61.1% from the ground.
Furthermore, Antetokounmpo is the primary participant in NBA historical past to common 30 factors per sport on 60% taking pictures, in response to the Basketball-Reference database.
He’s a freak. He’s the best participant alive. pic.twitter.com/TQNlB8dogD
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 13, 2024
Moreover, Indiana is 3-10 in its final 13 street conferences with Milwaukee. Although, the Bucks are 2-6 of their previous eight contests and 2-9 towards the unfold of their earlier 11 video games performed in April.
The third-seeded Bucks host the sixth-seeded Pacers of their first-round playoff collection on Sunday. The Pacers received 4 of 5 regular-season video games towards the Bucks.
In Milwaukee’s 140-126 win over Indiana on Dec. 13, Antetokounmpo recorded a career-high 64 factors on solely 28 discipline purpose makes an attempt. It was essentially the most factors scored with fewer than 30 discipline purpose makes an attempt in a sport in NBA historical past.
He missed all three 3-point makes an attempt and completed 24-of-32 (75%) taking pictures on the foul line. The Greek Freak ended his outing with 14 rebounds, three assists, 4 steals, and one block in 38 minutes of motion.
