Due to a left soleus (calf) strain, which has kept him out of the first two games of the series, he is categorised as doubtful for Game 3. He’s working towards a comeback, but he might not be prepared just yet.
“He fired this morning. He was lying down. Before Game 2 on Tuesday, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers stated, “He’s getting closer.” He mentioned that Antetokounmpo performed some active work the day before following Milwaukee’s practice.
INDIANAPOLIS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, the standout player for the Milwaukee Bucks, is still very much out of commission, and the Pacers will host the Bucks for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series tomorrow.
On April 9, during a Bucks regular season game against the Boston Celtics, the former MVP gave way in agony. The next day, the injury was officially diagnosed. Although Antetokounmpo’s calf injury’s exact severity is unknown, reports indicate that he will likely need two to four weeks to heal.
Wing for the Pacers During the Indiana regular season, Doug McDermott suffered a calf strain that kept him out of action for 23 days, or more than three weeks. When McDermott first returned, he stated, “It was supposed to be a two-to-four week injury.” “We got back a little earlier and everything’s felt great.”
Tomorrow night is Game 3, which will be the 18th game since Antetokounmpo’s injury. The series’ next two games would take place on Sunday and Tuesday of that week. His situation after Game 3 is unknown at this time.
When asked if the Bucks will be cautious with the injury following their victory in Game 1, Rivers responded, “We want Giannis back.”
In addition to Antetokounmpo, a fellow Bucks player is also sidelined by an injury. Khris Middleton has a right ankle sprain and is doubtful for Game 3. Middleton left Game 2 short due to an ankle injury and returned to the locker room. So far in the series, he’s proven to be effective. The Athletic’s Eric Nemh reports that Middleton skipped practice on Thursday.
In addition to those two players, Chris Livingston’s non-COVID-related ailment makes him uncertain for Milwaukee. Due to a ruptured labrum in his right shoulder, Bennedict Mathurin is still sidelined for the Pacers.
The Pacers and Bucks are now knotted in the series, 1-1. In the best-of-seven series, health has emerged as a major plot point, with Indiana having the healthier squad. The next two games are hosted by them.
