Antetokounmpo Injury Update: Bucks Prepare for Playoffs Without Giannis
The Milwaukee Bucks face a challenging start to the playoffs as they prepare to take on the Indiana Pacers without their injured star, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Pacers have proven to be a formidable opponent for the Bucks, dominating them in the regular season matchups.
Antetokounmpo’s Injury
Giannis Antetokounmpo will be sidelined at the beginning of the first-round series due to a left calf strain. The two-time MVP missed the final three games of the regular season after sustaining the injury during a game against the Boston Celtics on April 9.
Despite undergoing intensive treatment for the muscle strain, Antetokounmpo’s availability for Game 1 remains uncertain, as reported by ESPN.
Bucks vs. Pacers Rivalry
The Indiana Pacers, seeded sixth in the East, have had the upper hand in the regular-season series against the third-seeded Bucks, winning 4 out of 5 games. However, Antetokounmpo showcased his dominance in Milwaukee’s sole victory over Indiana earlier in the season, delivering an impressive performance with 64 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 steals.
Without Antetokounmpo, the Bucks slipped to the third spot in the Eastern Conference standings, losing the second seed to the New York Knicks on the final day of the regular season.
Antetokounmpo’s remarkable regular-season stats highlight his impact on the team, averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists while shooting a career-best 61.1% from the field in 73 games.