The Milwaukee Bucks need to be “prepared” to continue playing without Giannis Antetokounmpo because he is still unable to run.
As the Milwaukee Bucks enter Game 3 with a 1-1 split, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s health may very well decide whether or not they can win the series back in Indiana. Regretfully, the most recent information indicates that Giannis won’t be returning for a while and that he isn’t even close to being ready to scrimmage or run.
“I’ve been informed that Giannis Antetokounmpo has made significant progress, as he has begun to perform some stationary jump shooting. However, he hasn’t yet done much scrimmaging, cutting, or sprinting at full speed—all of which are necessary natural progressions.
This is the same leg that has problems with the hamstring, calf, and Achilles. Although Game 3 may be far off, I believe the Bucks need to be ready to continue without Giannis.”
Damian Lillard scored 35 points in the first half to lead the Bucks to an explosive victory in Game 1. The Bucks were able to pull away even without Giannis while the Pacers were having trouble adjusting to the postseason environment. Indiana came back strong in Game 2, relying heavily on 37-point scorer Pascal Siakam to lead the squad to a resounding victory. In the second game, they appeared lot more composed, and this is probably how they will play for the remainder of the postseason.
Many analysts and detractors believed that an upset was possible in this series even with Antetokounmpo, and the play-in tournament demonstrated their strong matchup with the Bucks when they are at their best. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the Pacers are a clear favorite to advance without Giannis, and on Tuesday, we witnessed just how dangerous they can be when their offense is clicking.
The one bright spot for the Bucks is that they have until Friday to play their next game, which will give Giannis at least two full days to recuperate before the team plays again. He isn’t expected to play this week, but with the season on the line, it would be shocking if he didn’t try to play at least once before everything is said and done.
If the Bucks lose in the first round, things get serious. Although Milwuakee’s injuries have provided a good reason for their lack of success this season, a first-round loss in 2024 would be their second consecutive year of losing in the first round following a top-three finish in the East. This is just not acceptable for a franchise that wants to win a title.
Giannis can make a trade if he no longer believes that they can win a championship. He is under contract through 2027 with an opt-out for the 2027–2028 campaign. Like James Harden and his own Bucks teammate Damian Lillard, Giannis may request a move at any time if his annoyance becomes unbearable.
Teams will be keeping an eye on him this summer, regardless of how he’s feeling right now, and things will become interesting if they don’t make it past the first round once more.
The Bucks have a lot riding on this series, and they cannot afford to lose. Damian Lillard, who will turn 34 in July, was acquired last summer at a high cost. They risk losing out on the championship and jeopardizing their future with the two-time MVP if they don’t win now.