Is Giannis Antetokounmpo all right? For any NBA enthusiast, a key player developing a major injury is a matter of concern. The ongoing NBA season has seen quite a few of them, as everyone from Stephen Curry to Jeremy Sochan has been dealing with some kind of ailment. Fortunately, the question was answered for fans as the ‘Greek Freak’ was present to take on the Jazz. However, is playing one game after returning from his injury troubles a sign that he is healthy enough to compete in back-to-back matchups?

In the aftermath of the recent Bucks-Jazz game, Doc Rivers engaged in a Q&A session with media members. When asked about Giannis’s availability for the upcoming game against the New York Knicks, the Bucks head coach wasn’t too sure, as he stated “Yeah, he’ll be available I think I haven’t looked at the injury report so I have to wait for that.” In the absence of any major injury troubles, Rivers was quite sure that the ‘Greek Freak’ would not be benched. After all, he added “He’s not gonna not play in back-to-back (only if) there’s something wrong, may be different, and he only played 30 minutes tonight.”

This remark came only a few days after Joel Embiid put out a statement, saying “If I had to guess, I would probably never play back-to-backs the rest of my career.” Therefore, a report even indicated Rivers’ remarks to be a dig at the 76ers player. Whether that was the case or not, fans can expect Giannis to be surely present to take on Jalen Brunson and co at Madison Square Garden less than 24 hours from now.

Initially, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s availability status was under doubt after the Bucks’ first matchup against Cleveland. Just hours before the second game between the two teams, Michael Scotto broke the news that the player developed a right adductor strain. This placed him under the ‘questionable’ status on the Injury Report. Eventually, they ruled him out, which allowed the Cavaliers to take advantage by pulling a second close win against the Bucks through the 116-114 score. The second Cavaliers matchup was the first game that Giannis missed in the ongoing regular season.

According to Doc Rivers, the injury may provide the ‘Greek Freak’ an excuse to take some rest before he got back into the groove of things. However, a situation like this is the last thing that the scorer would ask for, as the coach revealed “He hates missing games, as you guys all know. And he draws them out even when; like I had decided in my own mind that he shouldn’t play tonight right when they told me he that he was sore [on Saturday]. But I always let them [tell me]. I was happy when they said — not happy because you want him to play — but for his health I think it’s the right thing.”

Fortunately, the recent Jazz matchup showed that Giannis is ready to get back into the groove of things. To add a cherry on top, the only player whose name is on the Bucks’ Injury Report is that of Khris Middleton, who is yet to play a single game in the ongoing regular season. This update fully guarantees the Greek Freak’s prescence for the upcoming matchup. Good thing too, since if there is any player who has not backed out from giving the Madison Square Garden franchise a tough fight, it is him.

How has Giannis Antetokounmpo been performing against the New York Knicks?

In the 13 years that the Greek power forward/center has been in the NBA, he has gone up against the New York Knicks 38 times! For the most part, success has followed his way, as his win record against the NY franchise currently stands at 28-10. The average stat has not dwindled in recent times, as Giannis boasts an 8-2 record when looking at the 10 most recent games. In each of the instance, he has come out on top with his scoring.

According to Statmuse, Giannis has averaged 29.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists over the last 10 games. The same has been made possible with him going 54.7% with his field goals, 34.4% with his three-pointers, and 67% with his free throws. Giannis has not gone below 20 points in any of the 10 matchups. He even made 30 points or more in 5 instances.

The Knicks themselves know the potential that Giannis holds. After all, why else would they be coming up as a potential franchise that is looking to acquire the player as part of a trade deal? Fortunately, Giannis is not going anywhere now. The only reason he will be travelling to Madison Square Garden in the next few hours will be to compete, not to team-up with Jalen Brunson and co.