Giannis Antetokounmpo Won’t Play In Game 2

The Bucks will try to even their series against the Heat tonight without Giannis Antetokounmpo, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic. The two-time MVP will sit out the contest with a back injury he suffered in Sunday’s Game 1.

Antetokounmpo missed Tuesday’s practice with a back contusion he sustained on a hard fall while driving to the basket and was initially listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s game.

Coach Mike Budenholzer had been optimistic about Antetokunmpo’s chances to play, but the team opted to be cautious with its superstar. Budenholzer added that Antetokounmpo was upgraded to questionable to comply with NBA guidelines in case he was able to suit up, according to Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel (Twitter link).

Antetokounmpo’s absence means Milwaukee faces a more difficult task to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole when the series shifts to Miami. Game 3 will take place Saturday night, giving Antetokounmpo two off days to heal up.

View Comments (5)