The Milwaukee Bucks have been dealt one other main blow, with Giannis Antetokounmpo set to overlook not less than one week after struggling a knee damage.
Antetokounmpo has been identified with a hyperextended left knee together with a bone bruise and might be re-evaluated in a single week, leaving his short-term availability unsure as Milwaukee fights to remain alive within the playoff race, based on ESPN’s Shams Charania.
There was some preliminary aid inside the organisation after imaging dominated out something extra critical. Head coach Doc Rivers addressed the state of affairs earlier than Tuesday’s matchup in opposition to Cleveland, confirming the optimistic information whereas admitting there’s nonetheless loads unknown.
“The excellent news was it was actually a superb picture. There was no harm,” Rivers mentioned earlier than Tuesday’s sport in opposition to the Cavs. “It was actually simply excellent news. However I don’t know the following half [about a timeline].”
The damage occurred throughout Sunday’s sport in opposition to Indiana, the place Antetokounmpo landed awkwardly following a dunk try within the third quarter. Regardless of initially feeling like he may proceed, the Bucks finally held him out for the rest of the sport.
Rivers additionally gave perception into Giannis’ latest stretch since returning earlier this month, suggesting the previous MVP might have been pushing his physique too exhausting in restricted minutes.
“He was attempting to suit 35 minutes into 20,” Rivers mentioned assessing Antetokounmpo’s play since his comeback. “Even the final sport he was nonetheless on I feel 28, which is fairly trustworthy, that’s tight. For a coach, that’s actually tight.”
The timing couldn’t be worse for Milwaukee. With simply 14 video games remaining within the common season, the Bucks are sitting outdoors the play-in image and struggling to generate consistency, significantly with out their franchise star.
Rivers acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding how the staff will method the remainder of Antetokounmpo’s season given their place within the standings.
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