Giannis Antetokounmpo Injures Knee, Will Not Seek Imaging

Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared to hyperextend his knee during the Bucks‘ win over the Pacers on Sunday, according to Eric Nehm of The Athletic (Twitter link).

Late in the third quarter of the 134-123 victory, Antetokounmpo came down awkwardly on a dunk following a spin move. He stayed in the game for a little over a minute before exiting for the rest of the night.

Antetokounmpo attempted to warm up for a possible return, riding the stationary bike and doing knee exercises, according to Alex Molina of Eurohoops, but ultimately remained out for the remainder of the contest.

Following the game, Bucks coach Doc Rivers told reporters that while he believed the injury occurred on the aforementioned play, the team had yet to issue an official diagnosis, and he wasn’t sure if his star forward would undergo an MRI on the injury.

“My guess is he hyperextended his knee, but I’m guessing,” Rivers said, per ESPN.

Antetokounmpo later said that he isn’t planning on undergoing imaging, according to Nehm (Twitter link).

“I’m just going to go back home, sleep, see how I feel tomorrow, try to lift some weights,” the two-time MVP said. “And if I have a little bit of discomfort, then I’ll go from there. But as of right now, I’m not really bothered by it.”

Antetokounmpo has only played in 36 of the Bucks’ 67 games so far this season, having battled knee, groin, and repeated calf ailments. Entering Sunday’s matchup with Indiana, he had registered averages of 27.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per night.