How Will the Bucks Fare Without Giannis Antetokounmpo?

On Friday, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo had a hard fall during the game against Los Angeles Lakers. In a game that many perceive could be the NBA finals this season, the Lakers prevailed over their opponents.

Antetokounmpo was supposed to have tweaked his knee during the game but that did not seem to tweak his performances. Although the Bucks did not win the game, the reigning MVP finished with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists in 35 minutes.

An MRI after the game revealed that the Antetokounmpo has suffered a minor joint capsule sprain of his left knee. The club announced that he will not return for the next games after which there will be an update on his injury.

How big a loss will be Giannis Antetokounmpo for Milwaukee Bucks?

Last season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) Giannis Antetokounmpo’s performances have been nothing less than MVP-worthy this season. Over 57 games this season, Antetokounmpo has played an average of 30.9 minutes. Over those games, he has averaged 29.6 points, 13.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1 steal per game.

It will be naive to think the absence of Giannis will not be a loss to the Bucks. Without Giannis, they have already lost a seemingly straightforward game against Phoenix Suns.

In the Sunday’s game, Ersan Ilyasova replaced Antetokounmpo in the starting lineup. In the 15 minutes that he played, Ilyasova registered a blank on scoring and took down seven rebounds.

The Bucks conceded a disappointing 47 points in the first quarter and scored just 28. The 19-point lead conceded in the first quarter meant that they were always behind in the game. Milwaukee outscored the Suns in each of the next three quarters but it wasn’t enough for them to win the game. Eventually,  the Bucks lost the game 140-131.

They might have missed Antetokounmpo but a positive that the Bucks could take from the current injury is that he is not expected to be out for long. Moreover, the Bucks have already qualified for the playoffs and Giannis will be fresh for the playoffs.

With the business end of the season approaching, Milwaukee will be cautious in bringing back Antetokounmpo. They will want him as fresh as possible before the start of the post season.