Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing in Game 2 vs. Miami Heat? Latest injury update for Bucks vs. Heat
Will Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo play in Game 2 vs. Miami Heat? The latest injury update for Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks.
Down 1-0 to the Miami Heat in their first-round NBA playoff series, I don’t believe there are many Milwaukee Bucks supporters losing sleep. Even though the Bucks lost Game 1, I don’t think there are many that believe the Heat has any sort of chance to win this series. Despite that, the Bucks still need to prove it. And that all begins in Game 2. And heading into that huge contest, all eyes are on Giannis Antetokounmpo, who injured his back in the first half of Game 1.
Giannis left the game in the second quarter and didn’t return. Heading into Game 2, the big question is, will Giannis play?
Giannis Antetokounmpo is trending toward playing in Game 2
Back injuries are a difficult thing to project. The good news, however, is that the early scans came out “clean.” That means Giannis’ availability for Game 2 will likely come down to pain management. And that’s what Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer essentially echoed Tuesday afternoon. He also added that the team is “optimistic” that he will be available for Game 2.
Giannis didn’t practice Tuesday afternoon but the hope is that he continues to make progress and that he’ll be ready to go by the time Game 2 rolls around. The official injury report on Tuesday evening for Game 2 listed Giannis as “doubtful.”
The Bucks almost have to have Giannis for their crucial Game 2 with the Heat. The last thing that Milwaukee needs is to be down in a 2-0 series hole as the series shifts to Miami for Games 3 and 4. I know the Heat is the 8th seed and no one is giving them a chance in this series but Game 1 did teach us one thing – anything can happen on any given night.
And this series completely changes if Giannis isn’t on the floor. When Giannis isn’t healthy, the Heat has the best player in Jimmy Butler. And that’s a dangerous spot for the Bucks to be in.
Miami Heat injury news
After losing Tyler Herro to a hand injury late in the first half of Game 1, the Heat will be without their starting shooting guard for the remainder of the playoffs. Herro was diagnosed with a broken hand and is slated to miss 4-6 weeks.
Down 2-0, the Golden State Warriors will still beat the Sacramento Kings. dark. Next
While Game 2 won’t entirely decide this series, there’s a good chance that whichever team wins Game 2 may in fact end up winning this series. Will it be 2-0 (in the Heat’s favor) or 1-1 heading back to Miami?