9:28pm: The initial reports on Antetokounmpo’s wrist were “hopeful” and X-rays were clean, head coach Mike Budenholzer said after the game, per Eric Nehm of The Athletic (Twitter link). Antetokounmpo will continue to be evaluated in the coming days, Budenholzer added.
7:47pm: Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a right wrist injury during Thursday’s game against the Bulls, tweets K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
The two-time MVP fell into the stanchion after blocking Coby White‘s shot and he immediately started holding his wrist (YouTube link via House of Highlights). He checked out of the game shortly thereafter to get evaluated and was ruled out with a right wright sprain, per the Bucks (Twitter link).
It’s unclear how severe Antetokounmpo’s injury is at this time, but it certainly seems like he could be yet another All-Star who might need a replacement for this weekend’s exhibition contest. The forward received the most votes among Eastern Conference players and was set to captain the new pick-up style draft format, which will take place shortly before the game.
Obviously, of bigger concern is his status for the remainder of the 2022/23 season. Antetokounmpo is as physical of a player as there is in the NBA, and he has played through injuries in the past, but he is right-handed, so the injury will affect his dominant shooting hand.
On a positive note, the Bucks won’t play again until February 24, so Antetokounmpo will have eight days to rest the wrist sprain and hopefully be ready to go after the break. Milwaukee is currently 40-17, the No. 2 seed in the East, trailing Boston by one game and leading Philadelphia by two.
The 2021 Finals MVP is nearly averaging a point per minute, recording career highs in points (32.5) and rebounds (12.3) to go along with 5.5 assists through 46 games (33.6 minutes).
He’s lucky he can just miss the all-star break and hopefully be back by the 24th. No way MIL lets him play in the All Star Game with an injury; they need him for their playoff run and can’t risk him getting injured. Jimmy Butler takes his place?
Jalen Brunson has been on fire not just recently but pretty much all season. He should be the obvious replacement choice. Although he plays a completely different position of course.
Jalen Brunson turned the Knicks around. He should be rewarded as an All-Star!
Not knowing the severity of it, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he plays..maybe not a lot, but if it’s not REALLY bad he’ll play.
this is the same guy that suffered a knee injury missed the last few games against Atlanta in the eastern conference finals and came back and played all 6 games of the finals to lead the bucks to the championship
He absolutely has to play unless it’s broken. He owes the FANS that much at least…
He owes the fans NOTHING.
Without fans there is no league. Period.
Let that sink in before you lash out at truth tellers.