Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed the Bucks’ loss to the Miami Heat Thursday, could possibly be out for a second straight game.
Advertisement
This hasn’t really been the ideal season so far for Giannis Antetokounmpo. He and his Bucks team got off to a great 9-0 start to their campaign. However, they’ve been highly suspect since then.
Giannis himself was dominating on both ends of the floor, to be clear. He also had admirable support from Brook Lopez, who figures to be a frontrunner in the DPOY race. However, not much else seems to be going the Bucks’ way.
Their offense has floundered after an encouraging start to the year. Milwaukee ranks a lowly 25th on the offensive ratings ladder this year. This is in stark contrast to the two preceding years, when they ranked in the league’s top 5.
The absence of Khris Middleton and the lack of a secondary playmaker has haunted their offense. Jrue Holiday is a really good offensive player, but his shooting has been suspect this year. He also isn’t a traditional point guard, playing more like a combo guard than anything else.
If they do miss Giannis in the upcoming game, their already anemic offense could get even worse than before. Bobby Portis is a fine player, but he’s no Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight vs Miami Heat?
The Greek Freak was initially not featured on the Bucks’ injury report for their second straight game against the Miami Heat. However, Milwaukee updated their fitness report to place Giannis on it.
The Bucks made an addition to their injury report.
OUT:
Serge Ibaka (personal reasons)
Khris Middleton (right knee soreness)Questionable:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (left knee soreness)— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) January 14, 2023
Also Read – Bronny James Gets Silly Technical Foul After Incredible Play With LeBron James and Family Watching
The signs don’t look encouraging for the 2020-21 NBA champions with respect to the Greek Freak’s availability. It might be a heavy miss for them, even though they will likely themselves be playing an under-strength Miami Heat team.
Caleb Martin, Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson – 4 of their heavy-minute rotation players, are featured on the Heat’s injury list. It remains to be seen whether the Bucks can take advantage of this and use their top-3 defense to rein in Jimmy Butler and co.
