Bucks Provide Concerning Injury Status for Giannis Antetokounmpo Ahead of Game 2

The Bucks are looking to bounce back in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Heat after dropping Game 1 following the early injury to star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

On Tuesday, Milwaukee released its first injury report since Sunday’s Game 1 loss to Miami, and only two players appear on the report—one of them being Antetokounmpo.

Via Eric Nehm of The Athletic, the Bucks are listing Antetokounmpo as “doubtful” for Wednesday’s tilt against Miami, while guard Wesley Matthews has been ruled out. 

The injury report indicates that Giannis is dealing with a lower back contusion, which he sustained in the first quarter of Game 1 during a collision with Heat forward Kevin Love while attacking the basket. 

The Bucks have submitted their first injury report for tomorrow's Game 2 against the Heat.

Doubtful:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (lower back contusion)

OUT:
Wesley Matthews (right calf strain)

— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) April 18, 2023

Antetokoumpo went to the ground in pain after the collision but managed to stay in the game briefly. He was seen heading to the locker room toward the end of the first quarter and did not return.

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After Sunday’s game, Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said the MVP candidate underwent X-rays and that the team would see how he felt on Monday morning. 

On Tuesday, he did not practice and was given the “doubtful” tag for Game 2 of the series, indicating his injury is still plaguing him a couple of days after the fact. 

Prior to his exit from the series opener, Giannis provided six points and three rebounds for Milwaukee, logging 11 minutes in the game. Khris Middleton stepped up in his absence, scoring 33 points, and could be the team’s primary option on offense once again if Antetokounmpo’s back keeps him on the bench.