Currently engaged in a hard-fought battle in the Eastern Conference Finals, these past few days have been an emotional roller coaster for the Milwaukee Bucks.
This mostly revolves around Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had an entire fanbase collectively holding their breath after he sustained a scary injury in Game 4 versus the Atlanta Hawks. It certainly was terrifying to watch in real-time, and after a wait that seemed like an eternity, it was revealed that the Greek Freak had thankfully avoided any structural damage and had sustained a hyperextended knee.
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There were several conflicting reports posted regarding a potential return for the two-time MVP, some even saying he would be sidelined for the remainder of the postseason.
However, as reported by Yahoo! Sports’ insider Chris Haynes, Giannis could make his return to the court if the Bucks have a Game 7 versus the Hawks on their home floor, which would take place this coming Monday.
For Antetokounmpo to even have a chance to play again in these playoffs seems like a miracle given how gruesome that injury appeared. Yet, after an MRI revealed that he suffered a hyperextension, it seemed to be only a matter of time before Antetokounmpo started itching to get back out on the floor, given Milwaukee’s current title dreams.
The result of Game 6 between the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks must be decided before making a choice on Giannis Antetokounmpo
Of course, the Bucks would not need to play Antetokounmpo in a Game 7 if they could close this series out tomorrow. Currently leading the Hawks 3-2 in this best of seven series, they will have a golden opportunity to finish the series and punch their ticket to the NBA Finals if they can defeat their opponent on the road.
Despite Antetokounmpo’s absence, the Bucks handled business in Game 5 by defeating the Hawks with a solid 123-112 victory at Fiserv Forum. However, Milwaukee was not the only team with their top player sidelined, as the Hawks were without All-Star guard Trae Young, who is battling through a tweaked ankle suffered in Game 3. The latest injury report for Atlanta lists Young as questionable for tomorrow’s Game 6, and time will tell if he is good to go.
Whether he is available or not, these teams have a game to play, and the Bucks have to be motivated with the opportunity to go to the NBA Finals for the first time in nearly 50 years. That was the case on Thursday as Game 5 was highlighted by some fantastic efforts from Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Bobby Portis, all of who stepped up to lead Milwaukee to victory without Giannis available to play.
It remains to be seen whether they can replicate the same effort on the road, but they understand the circumstances, and giving the Greek Freak some extra time off by finishing this series is likely a thought brewing in everyone’s mind. Hopefully, the Bucks can duplicate the high-octane energy they provided in Game 5 and carry that over into this pivotal matchup.
To even discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially suiting up for the Bucks again in this playoffs is a wild thought, given how disheartening things appeared just days ago. They should err on the side of caution with their franchise player, but if he is cleared, he could make his return to the floor in a potential Game 7 if the Bucks are unable to close it out tomorrow.