While it was previously reported that the Milwaukee Bucks were going to be without superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo to start their first-round NBA PLayoffs series against the Indiana Pacers, there was still a tiny glimmer of hope that the former back-to-back MVP would somehow be available for the series-opener on Sunday.
Well, it was revealed an hour or so before tip-off that the Bucks would need to navigate Game 1 without their best player after it was confirmed that Antetokounmpo would be forced to sit out due to a nagging calf injury.
Milwaukee Bucks News: Doc Rivers Speaks Out on Giannis’ Injury
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers confirmed before the game that Antetokounmpo would be watching from the sidelines. The veteran shot-caller, however, also provided a bit of an update on how the eight-time All-Star has been progressing on his road to recovery:
“No, he’s out,” Rivers said.
“… He got some shooting in yesterday. He moved on the floor. He looks better, for sure.”
Doc Rivers confirms that Giannis is out for Game 1 pic.twitter.com/Fo6NP93PEg
— Lori Nickel (@LoriNickel) April 21, 2024
When asked if Giannis was able to put any work in on Sunday, Rivers admitted that he had “no idea about today.” Clearly, the one-time NBA champion coach has been locked in on their upcoming clash against Indiana, which is without a doubt going to be quite a spectacle.
For what it’s worth, Game 2 will be on Tuesday, so at least Antetokounmpo will have another couple of days to try and get ready for that one.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @PaoloSongcoNBA, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” You can also reach out to Paolo Songco via email at pao.songco@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.
