2023 NBA Playoffs: Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing in game 3 against the Miami Heat?

Giannis Antetokounmpo being sidelined in the playoffs due to injuries is really the worst time for Milwaukee Bucks to lose its perennial superstar. Antetokounmpo, who suffered an injury by the start of the playoffs has been ruled out in game 2. Although Milwaukee’s fanbase and the whole team are optimistic that Giannis will make his awaited return, his injury could hamper their championship hopes. Let’s dive into the latest updates on Giannis Anteotkounmpo’s injury and find out if he will be playing in game 3 against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo injury update: Is he playing in game 3 against the Miami Heat?

During game 1 last Sunday, Giannis Antetokounmpo fell on his back after colliding with Miami’s Kevin Love on a layup attempt. The two-time MVP, who had just landed on his tailbone after a scary fall, proceeded to shoot two free throws after a foul called on Love. However, he was not able to finish game 1 and only played 11 minutes. His injury was later known as a “lower back contusion”.

After the game, Giannis received an MRI, and fortunately, the results were clean. Despite that, the Milwaukee Bucks did not take any chances. Even though Giannis was listed as “questionable” in game 2, he was still not cleared to play resulting in him being benched. Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer shed some light on what’s the latest on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recovery.

“He’s gotten better each day, he’s improving, which gives up optimism that he might be able to play, and if you’re not questionable then it’s not an option,” Budenholzer said. “The only way to give us the optionality of him playing was to make him questionable and he’s continued to improve, but organizationally and talking and working with him and the sports performance group, the decision was made he’s out. We’ll continue to monitor him and expect for him to improve and still continue to be optimistic that he’ll be ready to play.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo received an MRI on his injured back that came back clean, coach Mike Budenholzer said Monday.

The update comes one day after he left the court with a lower back contusion. https://t.co/raSpl7ytLL

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 17, 2023

Now, the biggest question is – if Giannis will be available come game 3

Well, as mentioned by Budenholzer, he is getting better. They are very optimistic that he will return as soon as he can play. With a good result from his MRI, his back injury could be healed in no time. That being said, Giannis will still be listed as “questionable” in game 3. Hopefully, Giannis Antetokounmpo returns to the court for game 3 and secures a 2-1 lead against the Miami Heat.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Effect on the Milwaukee Bucks

The Greek Freak is undoubtedly the best player of the Milwaukee Bucks. In the regular season, Giannis averaged 31.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 11.8 rebounds. His numbers this season are even better than his MVP season but this still makes him a clear runner up for this year’s MVP award (behind Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid). But, he has been leading the Bucks as the best team in the Eastern Conference. As the first seed in the East plus an ensemble cast, the Bucks are still one of the heavy favorites to win the 2023 NBA championship.

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He has played a total of 63 games this season. With him on the court, the Bucks have a record of 47-16. Meanwhile, if he sits out, they are 11-8. In addition to that, they have a 116.9 offensive rating with Antetokounmpo playing compared to a 113.5 when he is sidelined. On the defensive end, they’re much better on defense especially when the 28-year-old is on the court. If Giannis is playing, their defensive rating is 112.1. On the other hand, they fall to 113.9 if he is out. This just goes to show how huge Giannis’ impact is on the Bucks. Obviously, they are much better with him and Milwaukee badly needs Antetokounmpo on the biggest stage.

Will Giannis Antetokounmpo be able to recover before game 3? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.

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