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Apr 26, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) after a 128-126 loss to the Miami Heat during game five of the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

via Imago
Apr 26, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) after a 128-126 loss to the Miami Heat during game five of the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
The Milwaukee Bucks have looked like one of the strongest teams this season. They even had the biggest offseason trade which was a big shocker to the NBA world as they managed to acquire Damian Lillard. With the teamwork and collaboration of Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks look invincible. In their upcoming matchup, they face the Charlotte Hornets who have currently lost 4 matches in a row. So, the odds look in the favour of the Bucks.
However, Antetokounmpo missed his previous match due to his leg injury. Due to that, the fans are wondering whether he is fit enough to face the Hornets and make a comeback.
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Will the Greek Freak make a comeback at the Queen City?
The Milwaukee Bucks had been dominating this season. They have been able to defeat formidable opponents like the Chicago Bulls and the Toronto Raptors and maintain their momentum. However, despite their current success, the Bucks have struggled with inconsistencies, making it difficult to estimate how they perform. With a 2-3 record on the road, Milwaukee must avoid widening its deficit within the Eastern Conference rankings early in the season. The in-season tournament structure provides additional motivation to the Bucks because they seek to establish themselves as fierce?competitors.
But the Bucks’ superstar forward is currently dealing with a leg injury due to which he may miss his second continuous match. The Bucks supporters are concerned about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s right calf injury. Due to this, the organization is taking a cautious approach to preserve its star’s long-term health. Their choice to possibly rest him for a second game demonstrates the team’s dedication to treating his injury wisely, putting the stars’ health ahead of immediate on-court contribution.
Read More: Giannis Antetokounmpo Joins Michael Jordan in Rarefied Air With 7?1? Giant Leading the Way
However, if the Greek Freak is unable to play in the match against the Hornets, it gives an opportunity for their youngster Andre Jackson to show his potential. As Antetokounmpo was unable to perform in the previous matchup as well, Jackson stepped up and took the responsibilities on his shoulders. Looking at that not only the fans but also his franchise is impressed by his actions.
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What can we expect from this intense matchup?
The Bucks have an impeccable head-to-head encounter record against their opposition, as they won 10 out of their last 15 matchups. However, their success in the margin of points to win has been very low. That means each of their victories has been close calls and not a win by a huge margin. The Bucks are however in a pickle as they evaluate the urgency of winning the game against the Hornets. But for that win are they willing to hurry the Greek Freak back onto the court? In their last 12 encounters with Hornets, only 3 matchups have been won by them by a huge margin. And as the Hornets are currently looking like a team wanting redemption, the Bucks cannot afford to slack in any way.

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LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 07: Charlotte Hornets Guard LaMelo Ball 2 celebrates with Charlotte Hornets Forward Miles Bridges 0 during a NBA, Basketball Herren, USA game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Los Angeles Clippers on November 7, 2021 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire NBA: NOV 07 Hornets at Clippers Icon211107009
The Hornets, on the other hand, deal with a different set of obstacles, especially when playing at home. Charlotte hopes to change things around and profit on Miles Bridges’ return after going 1-8 in their past nine home games at the Spectrum Center. The Bucks must contend with a hostile crowd as well as a determined Hornets club anxious to end their home miseries. The matchup between the Bucks and Hornets offers a mix of unpredictability, returned stars, and the pursuit of stability. With playoff possibilities during the early season, each and every move of the teams?counts. Whether Giannis Antetokounmpo plays or not, the Bucks will face a tenacious Hornets team looking to make a bold statement.
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Watch this Story: ?No Fun League?: Giannis Antetokounmpo Ridiculous Ejection Trashed by Fans
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