Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has been ruled out of Game 2 of the first-round series against the Miami Heat due to a lower back injury. The star player sustained the injury during Game 1, falling awkwardly and leaving the game at the 1:46 mark of the first quarter. He briefly returned early in the second quarter but was soon pulled out again and ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the match.
Milwaukee’s head coach, Mike Budenholzer, said in a pregame availability that Antetokounmpo’s injury prevented him from participating in the next game. Despite being hopeful that he would play, Budenholzer emphasized that the team was prepared for the possibility that he might not. He also expressed that the team is focused and ready for the game.
Budenholzer further stated that although Antetokounmpo’s condition had improved, the team, in collaboration with the sports performance group, decided to hold him out for the game. The coach acknowledged that Antetokounmpo’s absence was significant but remained optimistic that the forward would be ready to play soon.
The Milwaukee Bucks aim to bounce back from their Game 1 loss against the Miami Heat, where they fell short by 130-117. Before his injury, Antetokounmpo only contributed six points and three rebounds in 11 minutes of gameplay. The NBA superstar missed 19 games in the regular season, and the Bucks put up a respectable 11-8 record without him, including a 7-2 history at home. However, two of the team’s losses, both on the road, were against the Miami Heat.
In previous playoffs, the Bucks have won two out of three games without Antetokounmpo, with their only loss coming from Miami in the 2020 Eastern Conference semi-finals. The Bucks will undoubtedly miss the two-time MVP, but the team will continue to play hard and fight for a win against the Miami Heat in Game 2.
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer remains optimistic about the team’s chances, saying the players are focused and in a good place. However, Antetokounmpo’s absence will be felt, as he is critical to the Bucks’ offensive and defensive schemes.
The Bucks will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by Antetokounmpo. Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez must bring their A-game to help the Bucks secure a victory in Game 2. It won’t be easy, but the Bucks are determined to bounce back and even the series.