4:02pm: Antetokounmpo has been listed as doubtful for Game 5, according to the Bucks (Twitter link). The team added in a press release that today’s MRI on Giannis’ knee confirmed the original diagnosis of a hyperextension.
3:24pm: Further testing on Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s injured left knee revealed no structural damage, according to Zach Lowe and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (Twitter link). His ligaments are sound, sources tell ESPN’s duo.
That’s great news for the Bucks and Antetokounmpo, who was diagnosed with a hyperextended left knee after falling awkwardly during Game 4 on Tuesday. However, the two-time MVP’s timetable to return remains unclear, per Lowe and Wojnarowski.
Both Antetokounmpo and Hawks star Trae Young are dealing with injuries and haven’t yet been cleared to play in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday. We should learn more about their respective statuses either later today or early tomorrow.
The Bucks, who are already down one starter (Donte DiVincenzo), will have to lean more heavily on stars Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday if Giannis is unable to play on Thursday in Milwaukee. Brook Lopez and/or Bobby Portis could also be asked to play a larger role in the frontcourt.
If trae plays I see it harder for bucks to win. If both don’t play it be fun to see which depth step up
Giannis has been carrying these guys, IMO. Even without Hunter and Bogdo’s bum knee I would still favor ATL if both stars sit.
I think the Bucks are finished. They were barely winning with Giannis
Apparently you missed the game where the Bucks won by 34 and it wasn’t even that close.
Seems like there is no damage structurally.
Apparently knees can bend that way if enough force is applied.
I am not dissatisfied with Buck toughness or color or pageantry or the cut of their jibs. I blame espn for Bogdans being on the Atlanta side, and I am still mad at Lou, and Deandre is also out. So as I say in football, go Bucks.
Breathing a sigh of relief no long term damage for Giannis, but I’m not confident he plays any more minutes in these playoffs.
EDIT: great work, mods. Respect. This is no place for comments like that one.
Next season
If Hawks give Collins max contract and sign free agent PJ Tucker, Portis and Forbes, Hawks don’t need to pay luxury tax
Without Tucker Portis and Forbes salary, Bucks need to pay luxury tax
By the way, Hawks have to sign free agents first before giving max to Collins
Small salary
Hawks rookie contracts can play
Hunter
Trae Young
Okongwu
Collins
Reddish
Huerter
……
I don’t see Tucker leaving since he fits well with this team and Milwaukee hold his bird rights. Both Portis and Forbes will likely opt out which would weaken their bench.
Fortunately, DiVicenzo will be back next season, they have the taxpayer MLE to use and still have an appealing roster to veteran ring chasers who can be signed for the vet minimum.
I could see Milwaukee going after Cousins if BP walks. He’d fit in nice stretching the floor with Giannis and would give a nice alternative to Lopez. The Bucks need to get away from putting up a lot of 3s even though that’s the direction of the league, they play a lot better in the paint and mid range.
Milwaukee Sucks
And you swallow
Put a brace on that knee and lets go Giannis!
You don’t mess with Knees. They should beat Hawks without Giannis. If they weren’t soft. No Capela no Young no Hunter. What else you need. Bucks waiting on Alcindor and Oscar to walk thru door……….
Bucks are a mess. Tired of watching them or talking about them. I can’t believe this is a billion dollar business. Nothing but ineptitude…..