Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight against the Phoenix Suns? | February 26th, 2023 | 2022-23 NBA Season
Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Milwaukee Bucks host the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, February 26, at Fiserv Forum. The Bucks are in top form, having won their last 13 games in a row, the longest winning streak in the league right now. The Bucks face a stern test ahead against the Suns.
Phoenix have won seven of their last 10 games. Antetokounmpo suffered a knee injury in Milwaukee's previous game against the Heat, so his potential absence could make things tricky for the streaking Bucks.
Antetokounmpo exited the contest at the end of the first quarter after bumping knees with an opponent.
Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo took himself off the floor after this play vs. the Heat. 😨
He had 4 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds in the first 6 minutes of the game.
https://t.co/Ay4VtuLXhe
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing against the Phoenix Suns?
Giannis Antetokounmpo's status for Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns is doubtful, as per the team's official injury report. Antetokounmpo was earlier day-to-day due to a wrist injury. He looked uncomfortable following his recent injury setback against Miami, so the likeliness of him sitting out the home game against the Suns is high.
Phoenix is also shorthanded, with their blockbuster signing Kevin Durant on the sidelines. The Bucks have gained a three-game advantage over the third-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference standings.
They have the same losses as the league-best Boston Celtics (17), so Milwaukee can afford to give Giannis an extended break. They have a 6-5 record in Antetkounmpo's absence.
They have the depth to compete against top teams in the two-time MVP's absence. With around 20 games left until the postseason, the Milwaukee Bucks should look to help Giannis Antetokounmpo regain his peak physical condition in the playoffs. According to Tankathon, the Bucks have the 13th toughest schedule.
Last season, they were without their second-best player Khris Middleton, contributing to their second-round series loss to the Boston Celtics. It's no secret that Giannis has a significant impact despite the team's depth and overall quality. He has averaged 31.3 points, 12.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game this season, missing 11 games.
His absence in the playoffs could dampen Milwaukee's shot at potential conference finals and a finals appearance. The Bucks seem elite enough to win a series without a homecourt advantage if healthy, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Giannis miss a few more games moving forward.
Also read: NBA Injury Report: LeBron James probable, Giannis Antetokounmpo doubtful and more updates on Kevin Durant and D’Angelo Russell | February 26, 2023