Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things to watch for in Game 5 against Miami Heat
By Adam McGee
Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things to watch for in Game 5 against Miami Heat – Giannis’ status
Just as was the case heading into Game 4, on the eve of Game 5, Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is again listed as questionable due to his sprained ankle.
The reigning MVP’s decision to power through and play in Game 4 backfired as he re-aggravated the injury and was then forced to leave the game in considerably more pain than he looked to have been experiencing beforehand.
In all likelihood, that will play a decisive factor in what happens with Giannis in this game.
For as much as he’ll be desperate to play given the high stakes attached to the game, the Bucks may well take care to protect Giannis from himself.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said:
"“Looking at everything, assessing everything together, we’ll continue to make decisions that protect and keep Giannis in a position where he’s healthy and has a long, long, healthy career and is still available to us and giving us what he can.”"
It wouldn’t serve the Bucks well in any way to officially rule Giannis out in advance of the game, giving the Heat a chance to focus in solely on a gameplan without the MVP. At the same time, it would be a major surprise if Antetokounmpo was to take the floor on Tuesday evening.