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Is Giannis Antetokounmpo Playing Tonight? Bucks Injury Report Drops Update As Hamstring Issue Lingers

Published 03/24/2024, 8:08 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The Milwaukee Bucks are currently on top of the world, figuratively and also quite literally. Through a 45-25 win record this season, the team has successfully secured the 2nd seed on the points table for themselves. With just 12 more games remaining in the regular season, the Bucks may soon be heading off to the playoffs to try their hand at the ultimate price: the championship ring. Before that, however, they will have to face off against the team that occupies the top seeding on the Western Conference side: the Oklahoma City Thunder (49-20). Given that Giannis Antetokounmpo has been dealing with a hamstring injury for quite some time now, the Bucks’ top scorer’s availability during this crucial game remains a matter of concern.

A few hours ago, ‘The Athletic’ journalist Eric Nehm took to his official X handle to share an update. He highlighted that “The Bucks have submitted their first injury report for Sunday’s game against Oklahoma City” and that “Giannis Antetokounmpo (left hamstring tendinopathy)” and “Khris Middleton (left ankle sprain)” have been placed in the “probable” category. This would mean that both players have a good chance of making it to the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee and facing off against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co.

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Giannis claimed to have developed the hamstring injury in the aftermath of his team’s loss against the Los Angeles Lakers on the 10th of March. Despite this, however, the Greek Freak made an appearance and dominated during the next three games. In the aftermath of their clash against the 76ers, Giannis’s condition had worsened, and he was forced to drop out of the next two games. The Bucks’ HC Doc Rivers had expressed confidence that the player’s situation was not something to worry much about.

“It’s not an injury, we’re just concerned a little bit,” said Rivers in a statement. “Plus, you look at the schedule. You have one, two, three, four five days off. We planted it in him and he had to do [decide to not play]. Which, we’re happy that he decided to do it.” Giannis himself put out a statement after the 76ers game, claiming that you don’t mess around “If you have a strain”.

Khris Middleton, the Bucks’ third-highest average scorer, has missed over 25 games this season. Therefore, even if he could not appear during the Thunder clash, the Bucks can still manage to handle the offensive front. Currently, there is no information on the Injury Report from the Thunder’s side.

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How has Giannis Antetokounmpo performed this season?

Giannis Antetokounmpo is currently delivering one of his most impressive performances. During the 65 games he has played this season, the Greek Freak has managed to secure an average of 30.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists. While it is not much of an improvement from his previous season, the average score is still something that many NBA players can only aspire to reach.

USA Today via Reuters

Along with his abundant points and rebounds, the player has been maintaining his shooting capabilities as well. His average field goal percentage currently stands at an astonishing 61.4%, while his field throws are even higher at 66.4%. Giannis has seldom been a good three-point shooter, with his current average standing at 29.6%. However, the same is not a matter of concern as long as the player continues to excel at every other aspect.

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Written by:

Ashmit Kumar

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Ashmit is an NBA Content Analyst at EssentiallySports. Having started as a writer, he specializes in writing captivating stories that include the elements of in-depth coverage of teams, players and more. Due to his knowledge of the technicalities of the sport, Ashmit writes perspective pieces that provide well-researched analysis.
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Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja