Bucks Injury Report: Will Giannis Antetokounmpo Play Tonight vs the Celtics?

The Boston Celtics will host the Milwaukee Bucks for a thrilling clash tonight at the TD Garden arena. Notably, the Bucks and the Celtics are going through a victorious run so far, with the Bucks celebrating two amazing victories and the Celtics, 7, which is the longest sequence for the team in the league. The Celtics are the leaders in the Eastern Conference with a 54-14 record and are the only team who have secured a spot in the playoffs so far. While the Bucks are in the second spot with a 44-24 record, trailing by 10 games. Both the teams are going to meet for the third time this season, with 1-1 in the 4-game regular season matchups. Yet, Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t feature in the game.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics – Injury Report

According to reports, the ‘Greek Freak’ Giannis Antetokounmpo has been battling his physical constraints for quite some time now. With the playoffs looming, the 29-year-old Milwaukee Bucks star’s health issues hung in balance, all due to his injured knee. Listed as questionable for tonight’s game, it looks likely that he won’t feature against the Boston Celtics. 

According to Shams Charania, “Giannis Antetokounmpo, out tonight against Boston…I’m told he did not even travel to Boston, he stayed in Milwaukee, they want to make sure his hamstring is right.”

Building his on-court dominance, Giannis Antetokounmpo has averaged 30.8 points and 11.2 rebounds, with 6.4 assists per game. However, the painful struggles of his hamstring injury left him sidelined last Sunday, removing him from the matchup against the Phoenix Suns. And now, with no further leads to his recovery, the question still lingers on whether he will have to sit out this clash as well. 

Along with Giannis, MarJon Beauchamp is also listed as “probable” because of back spasms issues. He might make a comeback after missing 3 games, but there’s no guarantee on the number of minutes he’s going to be playing tonight. In fact, he hasn’t played for more than 10 minutes since January 17.

While on the Celtics’ roster, there are 3 players listed as “questionable” – Jaylen Brown because of a right ankle sprain, Jrue Holiday because of his shoulder injury, and then Sam Hauser with an ankle injury.

How important is Giannis Antetokounmpo tonight?

Winning eight times in their previous 10 games, the Celtics have already raised the bar, further emphasizing the Bucks’ need for Giannis Antetokounmpo to be back in form. Antetokounmpo was noted at the Bucks’ practice sessions on Tuesday, Coach Rivers clarified its distinction from on-court movements. Furthermore, he elaborated on the simplicity of Antetokounmpo’s physical activities during the training. As the recovery of Giannis’ sore hamstring still remains unclear, speculations are now arising on whether it will stop him from playing against the Celtics. 

Remarkably, Giannis has been a pivotal member of the Bucks crew, securing his MVP status with consistent efforts. Nearing the NBA Playoffs, the Milwaukee team is hoping to get back their forward, with coach Rivers establishing his bigger need to stay healthy. “I just wanted him to know that it’s okay if he can’t go”, Doc said, adding, “And so that’s how I phrased it without being involved.”

With words of support for Giannis Antetokounmpo, coach Rivers also highlighted the team’s efforts, continuing, “I think it’s important to him to know that, but I think our medical team has done a great job with him.” Significantly, he also pointed out the consequences of risking this injury, mentioning how it could get worse if tampered with. 

For the Milwaukee Bucks, the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo at tonight’s game can be challenging, but never disastrous. With top-tier records and wins this season, many believe they can definitely make it, even if this unfortunate blow keeps Giannis away from the court. 

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