ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is injured against Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals at State Farm Arena on June 29, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the prevailing force for the Bucks throughout the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Unfortunately, the star forward will most likely not be available for Game 1 of the finals against the Phoenix Suns.
Antetokounmpo was injured in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals and has yet to return to play. Coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters “he’s making good progress,” although what that means precisely is still not clear.
Giannis was able to do some work on the court for the first time Saturday, but he was still limited and did not fully practice with his teammates.
“When Giannis is out there, a lot of times we can just give him the ball and let him go to work and let him orchestrate a lot of things out there … Without him, we have to do it by committee,” said star Bucks player Khris Middleton.
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The Bucks will need to turn to the play of Middleton, Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday and others to fill the gap in scoring and rebounds left by Antetokounmpo’s untimely injury.
Game 1 of the finals is Tuesday, July 6. Milwaukee will travel to Phoenix for the tip-off.
UPDATE: Antetokounmpo has been upgraded to “questionable.”
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