The Milwaukee Bucks are set to play in their first NBA Finals in almost half a century, but may have to do so without their biggest star at least for part of the series.
Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as doubtful for Game 1 of the Finals against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, when the Bucks begin their quest for a first NBA title since 1971.
Antetokounmpo hyperextended his left knee in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks on June 29.
The "Greek Freak" suffered the injury after landing awkwardly on his left leg as he attempted to contest an alley-oop from John Collins to Clint Capela halfway through the third quarter of the Bucks' 110-88 defeat.
As his left knee buckled under him, Antetokounmpo screamed in pain and remained on the floor for several minutes, while being attended to by the Bucks medical team. He was eventually helped to his feet by teammates and hobbled off the court unaided.
He subsequently underwent an MRI scan which showed his ligaments had not suffered any structural damage. While the worst-case scenario was averted, the timing of his return remains unclear.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer said Antetokounmpo had done some on-court work earlier tin the day, albeit on his own and away from the team's practice.
The five-time NBA All-Star first returned to do exercises on the court on Saturday, but Budenholzer declined to offer a detailed timeline for his recovery.
"He's had a good day," the Bucks coach was quoted as saying by ESPN. "He's making good progress."
Notably, Antetokounmpo was also listed as doubtful ahead of Game 5 and Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals before missing both games.
Without their superstar, the Bucks relied heavily on Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday to win both games against Atlanta, and book a first trip to the NBA Finals since 1974.
Middleton scored a combined 58 points in Game 5 and Game 6, adding 17 rebounds, 15 assists and five steals. Holiday, meanwhile, contributed with 52 points, 15 rebounds, 22 assists and five steals.
Nevertheless, Antetokounmpo would be a major loss for the Bucks as he was averaging 28.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 15 playoff games this postseason up until his injury.
Making their first appearance in the Finals since 1993 and only the second in franchise history, the Suns are 1-2 favorite with FanDuel and 4-7 with DraftKings, while the Bucks are 3-1 and 6-4 respectively with the two bookmakers.
ESPN BPI predictor gives the Bucks a 51 percent chance of success to the Suns' 49 percent, while FiveThirtyEight's statistical model gives Phoenix a 67 percent chance of success compared to Milwaukee's 33 percent.
The series begins in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday night, with Game 2 also scheduled in Phoenix. The series moves to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for Game 3 and 4 on July 11 and July 14 respectively.
Game 5 and Game 6, if necessary, will be held on July 17 in Phoenix and July 20 in Milwaukee respectively, with the possible Game 7 to be played on July 22 in Arizona.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Dan Cancian is currently a reporter for Newsweek based in London, England. Prior to joining Newsweek in January 2018, he was a news and business reporter at International Business Times UK. Dan has also written for The Guardian and The Observer.
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