Not only did the Milwaukee Bucks lose Game 1 against the Miami Heat on their home floor, but they also lost Giannis Antetokounmpo early on after he suffered a back contusion.
After the game, Coach Budenholzer said that Antetokounmpo’s X-rays came back clean and that this would be a pain tolerance issue moving forward. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that there was optimism surrounding the Greek Freak’s status for this crucial Game 2. Well, the injury report has been released, and there is some optimism regarding Antetokounmpo’s Game 2 status.
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing in Game 2 tonight? Bucks’ injury report
According to the NBA’s injury report, Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable for Game 2 due to this back contusion. While Antetokounmpo did not practice on Tuesday, Budenholzer said there was still a sense of optimism that Antetokounmpo would play. The forward had been listed as doubtful Tuesday and into early Wednesday, but that status has now changed, signaling that Budenholzer’s claim is trending to be correct.
While only time will tell with Antetokounmpo, one Buck who is officially listed as out for Game 2 is Wesley Matthews. This is quietly a big blow for the Bucks, who need as many quality defenders as possible in this series. Matthews is set to miss the game with a right calf strain, and several Bucks will have to step up in his place. Keep an eye on Jae Crowder and Grayson Allen to see more time as the Bucks look to fill a major hole on the wing defensively.
On Miami’s side, Tyler Herro is out after breaking his hand in Game 1, and rookie Nikola Jovic will also be on the sidelines due to back spasms. Kyle Lowry is questionable due to left knee soreness.
Both teams are banged up heading into this matchup and will be without key pieces. Milwaukee’s personnel has to embrace the “next man up” mentality and handle business on their home floor to avoid going down 0-2 in this first round series. Hopefully Antetokounmpo’s back is well enough for him to give it a legitimate go on the court.
Stay tuned for a pivotal Game 2 between the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat tonight.