GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO’S INJURY UPDATE, THE MILWAUKEE BUCKS STAR SEEMS TO BE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE (kf)
THE Milwaukee Bucks are sweating on the fitness of star man Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Two-time MVP Giannis, 29, hobbled out of Tuesday’s 104-91 win over the Boston Celtics during the third quarter.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a thigh injury during Tuesday’s win over the Boston CelticsCredit: AP
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The Bucks star fell to the court under no contact from an opponentCredit: Getty
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He had to be helped to the benches by teammates before heading to the locker room unassistedCredit: Getty
The Greek superstar crumpled to the floor as he ran up the court during a routine play.
Antetokounmpo was seen grabbing the lower half of his left leg before being aided by teammates.
He was helped from the court by brother Thananis and center Brook Lopez, before making his way to the locker room under his own power.
The Bucks confirmed during the fourth quarter Giannis had suffered a strain in his left thigh, per The Athletic.
He will undergo a further MRI on Wednesday to assess the full damage.
“They’re testing him for the calf, which is obviously an MRI,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said.
Rivers confirmed doctors would also test for any issues with Giannis’ left Achilles and concern was “high” for the diagnosis.
“But he’s Giannis,” he added. “I think everyone probably feels the same way as I do right now. We’re just going to hope for the best.”
Antetokounmpo’s injury couldn’t come at a worse time for the Bucks, who moved to 48-31 on the regular NBA season after Tuesday’s win.
Milwaukee are jostling for second place in the Eastern Conference as they look ahead to the NBA playoffs, which start in less than a fortnight.
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In games without Giannis this season, the team is 3-3.
The Bucks are battling the Orlando Magic, the New York Knicks, and the Cleveland Cavaliers for the all-important second seed in the East.
Before falling foul of injury, Giannis racked up 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists on the night.
Milwaukee snapped a four-game losing streak and is 9-10 since March 1.
“Anytime you see one of your teammates go down, it’s a real level of concern,” said Bucks guard Damian Lillard.
We’re just going to hope for the best.
Bucks Coach Doc Rivers
“We spend a lot of time around each other, more than we would our family, so I think that was the number one thing.
“And then for it to be your best player, the most important part of our team, at this point in the season, it was like an ‘Oh s***’ moment, especially because there was nobody else around.
“To see him just be able to even walk off on his own, I think that showed me a lot.
“That was encouraging to see. And now you just want him to get healthy.”
Milwaukee is back in action on Wednesday night as they take on the Magic at the Fiserv Forum.
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Giannis will undergo an MRI on Wednesday to determine the extent of the injuryCredit: Getty
