UPDATE: Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out for Game 2 of the playoffs on Tuesday night.
The Milwaukee Bucks returned to the court Monday afternoon at the Sports Science Center for a film session and presentation following their 109-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference playoff series.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said Giannis Antetokounmpo had a “pretty good, quick practice” on Sunday before Game 1. It was his fourth consecutive day of field work.
Antetokounmpo was listed as questionable to play Tuesday night in the Bucks’ first injury report filed Monday night, which Rivers called a “maintenance day” for the two-time league MVP.
When asked what that was like, Rivers began by saying, “Honestly, I don’t even go there (into the training room). I literally couldn’t tell you a thing about what these guys. I learned, I just stay out of the training room I don’t want to be there because they might put me on the table. isn’t it?
“But I know that even that is an active activity. I will say that. I know he does lifting and physical movements. But today – I think he’s been on the field four days in a row – I Think today is the day without court, Maybe that’s a better way to say it.”
Game 2 will take place Tuesday evening at Fiserv Forum with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
More:You can buy a ticket to Game 2 of the Milwaukee Bucks-Indiana Pacers playoff series for as little as $35.
As for Damian Lillard, who scored a Bucks franchise record 35 points in the first half of the Bucks’ 15-point victory, he came through his 38 minutes physically. He missed practice last week while recovering from left adductor and Achilles tendon pain. Reserve guard AJ Green also missed practice last week with a sprained left ankle, but was back at full speed for the series opener. He played five minutes in the victory.
Bobby Portis also appeared to be limping a bit in the first game, but no other Bucks other than Antetokounmpo were on their initial list of injury reports.
“Health-wise, everyone did well today,” Rivers said. “We haven’t done enough to know if anyone was injured, but the report, the post-game health report was good last night.”
When was Giannis injured?
April 9, in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics. Antetokounmpo handed the ball off and began to move up the court before hesitating and sitting down on the court.
When will Giannis return?
It’s undetermined, although Rivers said early on that the Bucks had been encouraged by his progress. Antetokounmpo wore walking boots for the team’s home finale on April 10, but he didn’t have any on Sunday.
Lillard suffered a soleus strain in 2022 and missed 15 days before returning to action.
What is the soleus muscle?
Antetokounmpo suffered from a strained left soleus muscle, one of a trio of lower leg muscles commonly known as the calf. The soleus is the deepest muscle. The gastrocnemius and plantaris are the other muscles. The soleus and gastrocnemius join at the Achilles tendon.
Why Giannis missed the first game
The Bucks didn’t rule out Antetokounmpo for the series opener until pregame Sunday. He hadn’t practiced all week and hadn’t warmed up before the game, but Rivers said practice wouldn’t be necessary for Antetokounmpo to play.
“He made some shots (Saturday), he’s moving around the court, so he looks better, for sure,” Rivers said before the game.
What is the Bucks’ record without Giannis?
- 1-0 in the 2024 playoffs after Sunday’s victory. During his career, the Bucks are 4-2 in playoff games that he misses.
- 4-5 in the 2023-24 regular season, which included wins over playoff teams Phoenix, Orlando and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Bucks also held on to beat the Celtics on April 9 when Antetokounmpo left the game early due to injury.
