Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight against the Miami Heat? | 2021-22 NBA season
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks had a rough start to the season due to injuries to key players such as Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez. However, the Bucks were on a roll recently as they are 8-2 in their last 10 games after Thursday's loss to the Toronto Raptors.
The Bucks had an eight-game winning streak heading into the game against the Raptors. However, Giannis was diagnosed with right calf soreness and missed just his second game of the season. Without their superstar, Milwaukee fell to Toronto in a really close game, 97-93.
Oh no!!
Our streak!!
It's broken!! https://t.co/Blxp5mx2d3
Jrue Holiday led the Bucks with 26 points, six rebounds and eight assists, while Khris Middleton added 22 points, eight rebounds and two assists. That wasn't enough as Milwaukee fell to 0-2 without Giannis Antetokounmpo this season.
"The Greak Freak" is the main reason why the Bucks have a great chance to repeat as NBA champions this season. Giannis has been playing great, possibly better than his two MVP campaigns. He's averaging 27.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.7 blocks per game, while shooting 53.2% from the field.
With the Bucks hosting the Miami Heat tonight and presenting P.J. Tucker with his ring, fans are eager to know Giannis Antetokounmpo's status heading into the game.
What is Giannis Antetokounmpo's status for tonight's game against the Miami Heat?
The Milwaukee Bucks have listed Giannis Antetokounmpo as doubtful for tonight's game against the Miami Heat. It means Giannis will likely miss his second straight game due to a sore right calf. Even though he's very durable, the Bucks know that they have to give some rest to Antetokounmpo after carrying the team earlier this season.
According to Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer, Giannis' injury is not serious but would probably take a day or two to determine the severity. Now that the injury report has Antetokounmpo listed as doubtful, the recovery will take longer than just two days.
With Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler possibly out for the Heat, it looks like an even matchup tonight. The Bucks will need Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton to step up, while the Heat are going to rely on Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry.
Bucks' injury report for Saturday vs. visiting Heat:
-- Giannis Antetokounmpo, doubtful (calf).
-- DeMarcus Cousins, probable (foot)
-- George Hill, probable (knee)
-- Brook Lopez, out (back)
-- Donte DiVincenzo, out (ankle)
-- Semi Ojeleye, out (calf)
Aside from Giannis Antetokounmpo, there are six additional players on the Bucks' injury report. DeMarcus Cousins and George Hill are listed as probable, while Donte DiVincenzo, Georgios Kalaitzakis, Brook Lopez and Semi Ojeleye are all listed as out.
How does Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence impact the Milwaukee Bucks?
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the most important player for the Milwaukee Bucks. He is their main offensive and defensive player. In his absence, the Bucks will have to rely more on Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday to carry the load. The fact that they are 15-18 without Giannis since the 2018-19 season means the Bucks are capable of holding the fort, especially against a depleted Miami Heat team.
Also Read: Who are Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Brothers?