Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight against the Miami Heat? | February 4, 2023 | 2022-23 NBA Season
Former two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks will be looking to keep the momentum rolling on Saturday. With six straight wins, the team is eagerly looking to add one more to their tally when they host the sixth-ranked Miami Heat.
According to the NBA's injury report on Feb. 4 as of 10:30 a.m. ET, Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as probable for the game. Since returning to the lineup for the Bucks' Jan. 23 game against the Detroit Pistons, Giannis has continued to put up impressive numbers.
On Jan. 29, in the team's 135-110 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Antetokounmpo scored 50 points in 30 minutes. As the Bucks continue to fight for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, the Greek Freak's health will be a major key for the team.
With the Miami Heat putting together wins recently, the team is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to snap the Bucks' win streak Saturday night in Milwaukee. With just one game separating them from the seventh-place New York Knicks, every game is a must-win for Miami as we enter the second half of the season.
Above you can see some highlights from Antetokounmpo's sensational 50-point game last month.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks' quest for another championship
With the Eastern Conference being incredibly stacked this season, it's no wonder Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have had to battle in the standings. Between the Boston Celtics, who have continued to hold onto the top spot in the East, and teams like the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers, things are extremely competitive.
Given that, the injury to Antetounmpo and the injuries that have sidelined Khris Middleton throughout this season have been agonizing for the team. As head coach Mike Budenholzer stated recently, the team's success entirely hinges on the two men remaining healthy.
Budenholzer spoke to media members about the importance of the two men being healthy on Jan. 24:
“They’ve been together longer than any of us on this current roster or staff. They’re the ones that have built this program to what it is. They play at an amazingly high level.
“There’s a connection, and their skill sets go well together when they’re at their best. We have a really good roster and team that needs those two guys, and we are our best with them.”
When he has played this season, Antetokounmpo has continued to put up MVP-caliber numbers. Throughout the 41 games played this season, he's averaged 32.3 points to go along with 12.3 rebounds per game. Add onto that a 53.6% field goal percentage and it's safe to say that Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn't missed a beat despite the time off.
One detractor to his great season has been his inefficiency from the 3-point line. With a 27.3% 3-point field goal percentage, the former two-time MVP's shooting from beyond the arc could be much better.
With Milwaukee sitting as a slight favorite in the live betting odds against the Heat, it will be interesting to see how things play out.