Although coach Doc Rivers says he’s getting closer, Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t make his 2024 playoff debut on Friday. The Bucks have officially listed him as out for this game due to the calf strain that sidelined him during their first-round series against the Pacers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as out of today’s game.
-Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 26, 2024
Doc Rivers said Antetokounmpo is improving but is vague about a possible return date. Here’s your Thursday quote by Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
“He’s getting close,” Rivers said. “But I don’t know what that means. I’m being honest. I saw him moving and in my mind I said he was getting close. Does that mean one day, four days? I’m not sure.”
The biggest question for the Bucks in Game 3 is the status of Khris Middleton, who sprained his ankle in the first quarter of Game 2. The three-time All-Star is listed as questionable for Friday and will be a game-time decision. If Middleton and Antetokounmpo are out, a lot more will fall on Damian Lillard’s shoulders in what will be a critical Game 3.
Here’s an update on some other significant playoff injuries:
• Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that while Zion Williamson hopes to return to the postseason from a strained hamstring, the Pelicans would need to reach the second round for that to happen. New Orleans loses to Oklahoma City 2-0 in first-round playoff series.
• Kawhi Leonard’s knee responded well 35 minutes into his first playoff game after being sidelined for more than three weeks with knee inflammation, coach Tyronn Lue said. Leonard is expected to play in Game 3.
• Tim Hardaway Jr. of the Dallas Mavericks is out for Game 3 against the Clippers after spraining his ankle in Game 2. There is no timetable for his return, but coach Jason Kidd said he will be re-evaluated in a few days. Daniel Gafford, who injured his back in Game 2, is a game-time decision for Game 3.
• The status of Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson, who suffered a sprained ankle in Game 3, is not yet known for Game 4 on Sunday against the Knicks.
