An damage replace on star energy ahead Giannis Antetokounmpo may spell bother for the Milwaukee Bucks forward of their matchup in opposition to the Indiana Pacers within the first spherical of the playoffs.
Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the No. 3 seed Bucks count on Antetokounmpo (left calf pressure) to overlook the beginning of the sequence. The 2-time MVP continues to be present process remedy and will ultimately return.
Antetokounmpo’s damage makes a difficult matchup for Milwaukee much more troublesome. The Pacers (47-35) went 4-1 in opposition to the Bucks (49-33) this season when the eight-time All-Star was of their lineup.
Since Antetokounmpo suffered his damage in opposition to the Boston Celtics on April 9, the Bucks have sputtered. They misplaced two of their final three regular-season video games, averaging 104 factors per sport throughout this stretch. Indiana, in the meantime, averaged 139 factors per sport over its remaining three regular-season contests.
Milwaukee and Indiana final performed on Jan. 3 earlier than Doc Rivers took over as Bucks head coach on Jan. 29. Guard Damian Lillard hinted the teaching change may make a distinction.
“We have had some down moments and we have come again from these moments. Then we get a brand new coach after which we now have a unique approach about us, completely different model of play,” Lillard lately stated, per ESPN’s Jamal Collier. “Simply so many various issues we have realized about ourselves from going via stuff.”
Rivers, nonetheless, has a 17-18 playoff series record in 25 seasons, which does not encourage confidence.
Final season, the Miami Warmth shocked the Bucks, beating them in 5 video games within the first spherical of the playoffs. Contemplating Antetokounmpo’s standing stays unsure, it would not be a shock if the Pacers additionally pull off an upset.
