Optimism Around Giannis Antetokounmpo After Game 1 Injury – But The Heat Can Still Pull Off Upset

The Milwaukee Bucks might have gotten great news in regards to Giannis Antetokounmpo – but the Miami Heat still possess a challenge.

Rarely does an eighth-seed in the NBA upset a one-seed in the playoffs.

In fact, the last time it happened was in 2012 when the Philadelphia 76ers took down the Chicago Bulls in six games.

And it’s only happened just a handful of times in the league’s history.

But the Heat have a chance to make things interesting now after how impressive its shooting was in game one.

In particular, it dominated from three-point land, making 60% of its attempts.

Of course, you have to figure that the Bucks will improve its lackluster 24.4% three-point shooting as the series goes on.

The team shot 36.8% behind the arc in the regular season.

Antetokounmpo appears to be healthy enough to play after being forced to leave game one after landing hard on his back.

NBA insider Shams Charania reported that there is “optimism” regarding Antetokounmpo’s game two availability.

Also, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said that Antetokounmpo’s MRI came up “clean.”

While that’s great news for the Bucks, it will be an interesting series if it can’t tighten up its perimeter defense.

And not only does Antetokounmpo not defend the perimeter, but he is battling a ligament issue in his wrist in addition to the back injury, according to Charania.

But the Heat may have to do it without Tyler Herro, who broke his hand in the second quarter of game one.

The 23-year-old, who is a career 38.3% three-point shooter, will likely be out for the remainder of the playoffs.

To have a chance at an upset, the Heat will need the three-point success from Gabriel Vincent and Kevin Love to continue.

Plus, Jimmy Butler will need to continue carrying the Heats’ offense, as he put up 35 points in game one.

Article by Anthony Russo