Giannis Antetokounmpo injury update: How can it impact the Milwaukee Bucks over their next few fixtures?
Giannis Antetokounmpo finally has enough help now that Khris Middleton is back in the lineup after being an inconsistent member of their lineup. However, it looks like the Milwaukee Bucks will undergo another setback after the Greek Freak left tonight's game against the Miami Heat due to injury.
Late in the first quarter, Antetokounmpo left the floor after suffering a right knee injury. This is a bad look for the Bucks as their star player has just recovered from a wrist injury that held him back from playing an entire game in last week's All-Star game.
Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer gave an update after their game, but isn't quite sure as to what the All-Star forward has suffered.
"The basic update I got is he knocked knees and wasn't able to return. So, we'll see how he feels tomorrow." Budenholzer said.
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer with the latest on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s knee injury — more info to come tomorrow (@620WTMJ) #FearTheDeer https://t.co/2Dt5hWyl3D
It's uncertain if Giannis will miss games due to his recent knee injury. But if he does, the other players in the Bucks will have to take it upon themselves to do most of the heavy lifting.
Milwaukee currently ranks second in the Eastern Conference standings and they're in a good position to still be in the playoffs. If they lose a few games due to Antetokounmpo's injury, they'll still have a shot at being threats in their conference. They were able to overcome similar problems when Middleton was on the sidelines.
The Bucks have also added Jae Crowder to their lineup, and he's capable of being a defensive stopper. Plus, he can stretch the floor better than Giannis, which the team can take advantage of.
Overall, the Bucks don't have to worry about Giannis' absence that much. Coaches can use this opportunity to involve others in the offense, which could be helpful once the postseason starts.
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Jrue Holiday could step up in light of Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence
As the Bucks search for someone to step up for the team in the upcoming games, Jrue Holiday could be their guy. Along with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Holiday went to Utah to participate in his second All-Star game. While there are those who think he doesn't deserve selection, now's a chance for him to show why he was considered by the coaches.
Holiday is a unique player who can impact both ends of the floor. After all, he's a four-time All-Defensive player who can easily average close to 20 points. Jrue is a veteran leader who knows what it takes to win. With Antetokounmpo being injured, he'll get a chance to shine in his role.
The two-time All-Star is averaging 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 7.1 assists for Milwaukee this season. Holiday is shooting at a faily efficient rate, making 46.2% of his shots from the field and 37.7% of his three-pointers.
Also read: Video reveals Giannis Antetokounmpo predicted Damian Lillard’s All-Star game winning shot - “He was the one who took it from half court”