New Giannis Antetokounmpo injury update could be devastating for Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have now played the first two games of their series against the Indiana Pacers without Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Giannis is dealing with a calf strain suffered on April 9 against the Boston Celtics, and the team has kept any updates close to the chest. After the Bucks dropped Game 2 against the Pacers Tuesday, many were curious if the big man could possibly make his series debut in Game 3 on Friday. It looks like that may be too far-fetched.

The Athletic's Shams Charania provided this update on the latest episode of Run it Back:

"I'm told [Giannis Antetokounmpo] has at least started to do some stationary jump shooting...But still not much cutting, no scrimmaging, no all out running yet...I think the Bucks have to be prepared to keep playing on without Giannis."

New Giannis Antetokounmpo injury update could be devastating for Bucks

It sounds like the Milwaukee Bucks will have to prepare to continue playing without Antetokounmpo for the foreseeable future. If the Bucks play just like they did in Game 2, that could be catastrophic, especially with the series now tied and shifting to Indiana. Not all hope is lost, but Milwaukee's back is now pressed further against the wall, and they need to lock in to give themselves a chance.

In particular, the Milwaukee Bucks need Bobby Portis to make his presence felt. He was far from his best self in Game 2, and it hurt this team mightily. Without Giannis, the Bucks need his scoring, size, rebounding, and intensity. He could be the ultimate difference maker if he bounce back from a tough showing in Game 2.

Somebody will also have to put a body on Pascal Siakam. The forward is averaging 35.6 points while shooting 64.6 percent in these first two games. The Bucks have primarily thrown Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton at him, which has failed miserably. Can Jae Crowder give them anything? He has the size to possibly at least bother him. Could any of the young guys see time? It's certainly worth trying.

Without Giannis Antetokounmpo available, Doc Rivers will have to get uncomfortable and do what he can to keep the Bucks afloat. A win in Game 3 would do the Milwaukee Bucks good as they aim to buy Antetokounmpo as much time as possible to recover. They will have to come out with a different level of intensity to do so.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.