Update Given On Giannis Antetokounmpo Status Ahead Of Wednesday's Game 2
The Milwaukee Bucks dropped the opening game of their first-round playoff series at home to the Miami Heat over the weekend and to make matters worse, superstar big man Giannis Antetokounmpo left the game early with a back injury.
While X-rays were negative, Antetokounmpo continues to deal with pain and head coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters on Tuesday that Giannis was not able to participate in practice.
"We have 24-plus hours before gametime," Budenholzer told reporters, per The Athletic's Eric Nehm. "He'll get treatment. And we'll see how he feels. I think there has been a lot of progress and hopefully there's more in the next day or so."
Budenholzer went on to explain that there is "optimism" that Giannis Antetokounmpo will play in Game 2 on Wednesday, but there really is no telling whether or not he will be ready to go before then.
After falling hard on his back in Game 1, Antetokounmpo went to the locker room before checking back in the game during the first half. However, he was visibly bothered by said injury and was forced to leave the game for a second time, this time being able to return.
One of the three finalists for this season's MVP award, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been one of the best players in the NBA once again.
In 63 regular season games this year, Giannis averaged a career-best 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 55.3 percent from the floor.
The Bucks will need their MVP healthy and on the floor if they are to have any chance of winning a title this season, but as of right now, his status for Game 2 against Miami is definitely questionable.
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