Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is doubtful for Game 1 of the Bucks’ first-round series against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, the team announced Saturday, as Antetokounmpo continues rehabbing his calf strain. He was the only Bucks player listed on Saturday’s injury report.
Antetokounmpo missed the final three games of the regular season while dealing with the injury he suffered against the Boston Celtics on April 9. He has had multiple past injuries, including Achilles tendinitis and a hamstring issue, on his left leg, the same leg in which he strained his calf.
The eight-time All-Star played in 73 games this season, averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds and a career-high 6.5 assists per game.
The sixth-seeded Pacers beat the third-seeded Bucks four out of five times this season.
What does Antetokounmpo’s designation mean?
This injury designation doesn’t change much for the Bucks or the Pacers. All week long, the Bucks have prepared as though Antetokounmpo is not going to play in Game 1. Conversely, the Pacers have spent the whole week preparing for Antetokounmpo to play. So, all this designation does is keep up the mystery for one more day. Both teams will be ready in either situation.
What has Antetokounmpo done on the floor this week?
While Bucks coach Doc Rivers has confirmed that Damian Lillard and AJ Green have been back on the floor and practiced in full each of the last two days after missing practices at the start of the week, he has not said the same about Antetokounmpo. On each of the last two days, Rivers has told reporters that Antetokounmpo was able to get out on the floor for walk-throughs, but unable to do anything live on the floor.
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