With the Milwaukee Bucks sitting at a 1-1 split heading into Game 3, the health of Giannis Antetokounmpo may very well determine if they can re-take control of the series in Indiana. Unfortunately, according to the latest update, Giannis isn’t due back for some time and he’s not even at the stage of running or scrimmage in his recovery.
“I’m told [Giannis Antetokounmpo] has at least started to do some stationary jump shooting and that was a big development for him. But still not much cutting, no scrimmaging, no all-out running yet and those are all natural progressions that he will need to have. This is the same leg with issues on the Achilles, hamstring, and now calf. Game 3 might be pushing it but I think the Bucks have to be prepared to keep playing on without Giannis.”
"I'm told [Giannis Antetokounmpo] has at least started to do some stationary jump shooting…But still not much cutting, no scrimmaging, no all out running yet…I think the Bucks have to be prepared to keep playing on without Giannis."@ShamsCharania updates on Giannis… pic.twitter.com/sYSnmlm9KB
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) April 24, 2024
The Bucks came out on fire in Game 1, thanks to 35 first-half points from Damian Lillard. Even without Giannis, the Bucks were able to pull away as the Pacers struggled to adjust to the playoff atmosphere. In Game 2, Indiana responded in a big way by leaning on Pascal Siakam (who dropped 37 points) to lead the team to a blowout win. They looked much more settled in the second game, and it’s likely how they’ll be playing throughout the rest of the postseason.
Even with Antetokounmpo, many experts and critics said an upset was plausible in this series and the play-in tournament proved that they match up well against the Bucks at full strength. So, without Giannis, it’s no wonder why the Pacers are outright favored to advance and we saw on Tuesday how dangerous they can be when they’ve got it going offensively.
The only saving grace for the Bucks is that the next game isn’t until Friday, giving Giannis at least two full days of rest and recovery before the team suits up again. As it stands, he’s unlikely to play this week but with the season on the line, it would be surprising if he didn’t at least try to take the floor before it’s all said and done.
The Bucks Are In Trouble If They Lose In Round One
While Milwaukee’s injuries have given them a solid excuse for not going far this season, a first-round defeat in 2024 would mark the second straight year they’ve lost in the first round after finishing in the top three in the East. For a franchise with title aspirations, this is just unacceptable.
Giannis is under contract through 2027 with an opt-out for the 2027-28 season but he can still force a move if he loses faith in their ability to win a championship. In a similar style to James Harden and his own Bucks teammate Damian Lillard, Giannis could demand a trade at any point if his frustration reaches a point beyond return. Whatever he’s feeling at the moment, teams are sure to be monitoring the situation this summer, and things will be interesting if they fail to advance past the first round once again.
With so much on the line for the Bucks, they cannot afford to lose this series. They gave up a lot for Damian Lillard last summer and he turns 34 in July. If they don’t win now, it could cost them a chance at the title and it could wreck their future with the 2x MVP.
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