The Milwaukee Bucks currently stand second in the Eastern Conference. Despite the continued absence of Khris Middleton, the Bucks have still managed to register a 29-16 record. Their saving grace has been their depth. Mike Budenholzer has turned Giannis Antetokounmpo and company into a unit. A unit that is hell-bent on winning.
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They will meet the Cleveland Cavaliers in their upcoming game on Saturday. With a two-game winning streak behind them, it’s safe to assume Milwaukee will meet their opponents hoping to bag another win.
Unfortunately for them, it won’t be easy. Especially because Milwaukee has marked Giannis Antetokounmpo as questionable for the upcoming contest. Although truth be told, they have won their last two games without their best player and can quite possibly keep the streak going.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable
Soreness in his left knee has been troubling Giannis for the last few games. He has already missed four consecutive games and is again marked as questionable. Though questionable doesn’t automatically eliminate his chances of playing, they certainly specify Budenholzer’s concern for the 7ft star.
The Bucks have submitted their injury report for Saturday’s game in Cleveland.
OUT:
Serge Ibaka (not with team)
Khris Middleton (right knee soreness)Questionable:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (left knee soreness)— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) January 20, 2023
The Bucks need the Greek freak healthy and without pain. Their plans are not limited to just a good regular season, this is a squad that has become accustomed to playing in the playoffs.
So, it is more than likely that Budenholzer will again sit Giannis Antetokounmpo out if the soreness persists. That being said, he will still be evaluated once more leading up to the game. Though unlikely, Mike may end up playing him if both Giannis and the Head Coach agree on it.
Antetokounmpo’s stats this season
To be fair, Antetokounmpo’s numbers over the last 6 seasons have been on par with some of the greatest in history. There has not been a single season since 2017 where Giannis has averaged less than 25 points and 10 rebounds. In fact, he is proving himself to be quite the double-double guy, almost like Moses Malone.
Currently, Antetokounmpo is averaging 31 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. Moreover, the Greek national is also registering at least 5 assists a night.