The crown holders of the Eastern Conference are preparing for their third encounter of the season. The Boston Celtics will face the Milwaukee Bucks tonight. The series stands even so far, with both teams having one win each. The first and second seed respectively is projected to be one of the premier matchups in the postseason this year. However, there could be a major absence tonight – Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Greek Freak is having a historic season with his one and only franchise. He is one of the few players averaging over 30 points per game, the only difference is he is shooting almost 62% from the floor. Antetokounmpo has been in ravishing form lately, scoring over 30 in all of his last four games.

However, after the game against the Philadelphia 76ers, he began experiencing some discomfort in his hamstring which kept him from playing against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns. Now, there is an update on his participation against the Celtics.

Giannis Antetokounmpo will not play against Boston

Shams Charania came bearing sad news for the Milwaukee Bucks fans. Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss his second consecutive game ailing to his hamstring injury. The Deers are not willing to take any risk in regard to Antetokounmpo’s health considering they are so close to the commencement of the postseason.

“I’m told he did not even travel to Boston, he stayed in Milwaukee, they want to make sure his hamstring is right,” Charania said during the episode of FanDuel TV.

This is only the fifth game that the two-time MVP will miss this season. The Bucks have managed to outlast their opponents so far without their ace. In the four games without Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have a 3-1 record. Two of those wins came against opponents who were over .500.

Damian Lillard has been the spark in the absence of his 7-foot ally. As astonishing as it might be, Dame Dolla has played probably his best basketball without Giannis Antetokounmpo in the lineup. It is surely his most aggressive. In the four games, Lillard has averaged 31.5 points and 9.5 assists including two games of 30+ points and 10+ assists.

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Of course, the Boston Celtics aren’t an ordinary rival to face. They are the best team in the NBA period. It needed a 25-0 run from the Bucks in their last match-up to overthrow the acclaimed forces of Boston. However, can they survive without the ferocious aura of Giannis Antetokounmpo?