Giannis Antetokounmpo (left calf pressure) is anticipated to stay out by means of the beginning of the Milwaukee Bucks’ Japanese Convention first-round playoff sequence in opposition to the Indiana Pacers.
Nevertheless, Antetokounmpo might return someday later within the sequence. The 2-time MVP has been present process “around-the-clock remedy on the calf,” based on 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 sequence in opposition to the Indiana Pacers, however are hopeful remedy on his left calf pressure will permit him to return someday later within the sequence. pic.twitter.com/8p0wCiRSRl
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 16, 2024
“Till we all know if he’s enjoying or not, we’re going to organize as if he’s not enjoying,” Bucks ahead Khris Middleton stated after apply Tuesday. “Easy as that.”
In fact, Antetokounmpo was not the one Milwaukee star that was sidelined throughout Tuesday’s apply. Bucks coach Doc Rivers stated Damian Lillard sat out after coping with groin and adductor accidents close to the top of the common season.
Rivers stated Lillard acquired an MRI that got here again clear. Lillard hinted following Sunday’s regular-season finale in Orlando that he would doubtless 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 a little bit extra relaxation,” Rivers stated. “He’s nonetheless doing conditioning and stuff like that. … We went [5-on-5] so much at the moment, and we didn’t need him on the market.”
“We would like him to be as near 100% as attainable should you may be that at this level.”
Antetokounmpo missed the ultimate three regular-season video games after crumpling to the ground with a noncontact damage per week in the past in opposition to 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, based on 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 highway conferences with Milwaukee. Although, the Bucks are 2-6 of their previous eight contests and 2-9 in opposition to 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 sequence on Sunday. The Pacers received 4 of 5 regular-season video games in opposition to the Bucks.
In Milwaukee’s 140-126 win over Indiana on Dec. 13, Antetokounmpo recorded a career-high 64 factors on solely 28 area purpose makes an attempt. It was essentially the most factors scored with fewer than 30 area 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.
