Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: Not close to full health
Rotowire
Antetokounmpo (calf) disclosed last Friday that he was "not close" to returning to the Bucks lineup before the team was eliminated from the playoffs May 2 in a 120-98 loss to the Pacers in Game 6 of the first-round series, Jamal Collier of ESPN.com reports. "I did all the tests I had to do, these like protocols you have to follow and have to check the boxes," Antetokounmpo said. "I wasn't even close at checking the boxes."
Though head coach Doc Rivers had suggested last week that Antetokounmpo was close to being available to play after missing the final three games of the regular season with a left soleus strain, Rivers' comments may have been an act of gamesmanship. Antetokounmpo ultimately missed all six playoff contests, and his absence likely would have extended into the Eastern Conference semifinal round if the Bucks had advanced, as the 29-year-old estimated that he was running at about 30 or 40 percent speed. He should be closer to full health by the end of May, but Antetokounmpo likely won't have a full offseason to rest up, as he had previously expressed a desire to play for the Greek national team in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Greece will have to first earn a spot in the Olympics through a qualification tournament that will take place in the first week of July, so confirmation on whether Antetokounmpo is healthy should come shortly before that time.
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: Ruled out for Game 6
Rotowire
Antetokounmpo (calf) has been ruled out for Thursday's Game 6 against the Pacers.
Antetokounmpo was doubtful for Thursday's matchup, but he went through pregame warmups and was considered a game-time decision. However, he never shed his doubtful tag and will be unavailable for a ninth consecutive game. If the Bucks win Game 6 and keep their season alive, Antetokounmpo could be in the mix to return to action. Despite Antetokounmpo's absence, Milwaukee will get a boost for Thursday's matchup since Damian Lillard (Achilles) has been cleared to play.
... See More... See Less
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: Considered game-time decision
Rotowire
Antetokounmpo (calf) is considered a game-time decision for Thursday's Game 6 against Indiana, Pat Boylan of Bally Sports Indiana reports.
Antetokounmpo officially remains doubtful for Thursday's matchup, but reports ahead of tipoff have suggested that the forward is in the mix to return to the court. However, coach Doc Rivers said during his pregame press conference that Antetokounmpo is more doubtful than Damian Lillard (Achilles), who is also a game-time decision. Even though Antetokounmpo would give the Bucks a spark as they attempt to extend their season, it's possible his playing time is monitored if he's cleared to suit up.
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: Could return Thursday
Rotowire
Antetokounmpo (calf) is working to try to make a return for Thursday's Game 6 against the Pacers, but it's unclear whether he'll be able to do so, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
Both Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard (Achilles) are attempting to return to action as the Bucks try to keep their season alive Thursday. However, while Lillard has been upgraded to questionable, Antetokounmpo remains doubtful for now. Antetokounmpo's potential return would give the Bucks a significant boost on the road in Game 6, but it's also possible he'd face some limitations after missing the last eight matchups.
... See More... See Less
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: Doubtful for Game 6
Rotowire
Antetokounmpo (calf) is doubtful for Thursday's Game 6 against the Pacers, Pat Boylan of Bally Sports Indiana reports.
Although the Bucks managed to keep their season alive Tuesday, they'll likely have to play without Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard (Achilles) once again as the series shifts back to Indiana on Thursday. Assuming he's unavailable for Game 6, it's unclear whether Antetokounmpo will be in the mix to return for a potential Game 7.
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: Ruled out for Game 5
Rotowire
Antetokounmpo (calf) will not play in Tuesday's Game 5 versus the Pacers, Jeremiah Johnson of Bally Sports Indiana reports.
No surprise here, as Antetokounmpo was initially carrying a doubtful tag. Damian Lillard (Achilles) will also be held out Tuesday, leaving the Bucks in rough shape as they try to avoid elimination.
Antetokounmpo (calf) is doubtful for Tuesday's Game 5 against the Pacers.
Antetokounmpo has yet to play this postseason due to a left calf strain he suffered against the Celtics on April 9. Coach Doc Rivers said ahead of Sunday's Game 4 loss that Antetokounmpo was cleared to run with no resistance and continues to do stationary shooting, but it seems the All-Star is still a few hurdles away from game action. Damian Lillard (Achilles) is also doubtful for Tuesday's potential elimination game, so Khris Middleton (ankle) and Brook Lopez may have to lead Milwaukee's offense again.
... See More... See Less
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: Status in doubt for Game 5
Rotowire
There is doubt that Antetokounmpo (calf) will be able to suit up for Tuesday's Game 5 against the Pacers, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
Coach Doc Rivers provided an encouraging update regarding Antetokounmpo on Sunday morning, saying that there was a chance the forward plays in the first-round series after working out by shooting and running with no resistance, per Jamal Collier of ESPN.com. However, Antetokounmpo's status is very much in question for Tuesday's matchup as the Bucks return home and hope to avoid elimination.
Antetokounmpo (calf) is doubtful for Sunday's Game 4 against the Pacers.
Antetokounmpo has been sidelined since missing the final three games of the regular season. Head coach Doc Rivers hinted that Antetokounmpo is ramping up towards a return, but Rivers wasn't optimistic about the forward returning for Sunday's contest.
Antetokounmpo (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's Game 4 against the Pacers.
As expected, Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard (Achilles) have both been downgraded from doubtful to out. Khris Middleton (ankle) remains probable. Bobby Portis should continue to start for Antetokounmpo and will need to play an even larger role on offense due to Lillard missing his first game of the postseason. Antetokounmpo has yet to progress to team drills, but his next chance to suit up will come during Game 5 on Tuesday.
