Bucks Optimistic Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Play in Game 2

The Bucks are optimistic star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will be able to play in Game 2 vs. the Heat after sustaining a lower back contusion in the Game 1 loss, per Shams Charania of The Athletic via FanDuel TV.

Along with the back issue, Antetokounmpo is still dealing with a ligament issue in his wrist, Charania reported. The Bucks entered the series as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, but are now in a 1-0 hole.

Antetokounmpo exited in the first half after crashing into Heat power forward Kevin Love.

“It’s believed to be a pain tolerance issue in his lower back and the team wanted to play it safe,” Charania said, via FanDuel TV. “He landed real hard on his back, then he tried to come back into the game, and he just felt discomfort. He didn’t look like himself, couldn’t really walk like himself.”

Charania added that the back issue is something that Antetokounmpo will be battling if he does play in Game 2, along with the wrist ligament issue.

“He’s got a couple of these little nagging injuries that are gonna play a part potentially,” Charania said. “But right now, yeah, there is hope and optimism that he’ll be good (for Game 2), that he is fine moving forward.”

There is optimism surrounding Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) availability for Game 2 vs. Miami on Wednesday, sources say. From Run It Back on @FanDuelTV: pic.twitter.com/E6GpFdxjaC

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 17, 2023