In a surprising turn of events, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who leads the NBA in scoring this season, was unable to participate in the Milwaukee Bucks’ game against the Miami Heat on Tuesday night due to swelling in his left knee. This news broke roughly an hour before the game, while Antetokounmpo had been marked as probable to play due to a strained left calf.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers expressed his surprise, stating, “I never know,” after learning about the knee issue shortly before game time. Milwaukee will have some time to regroup, as their next game is set for Saturday against the Washington Wizards.
The NBA has a player participation policy that mandates star players be present for all nationally televised and NBA In-Season Tournament games unless the team can provide an approved reason for their absence. Antetokounmpo certainly fits the criteria as a star player. Interestingly, just hours prior, the league had fined the Atlanta Hawks $100,000 for a similar violation concerning Trae Young’s absence in a Cup game.
Despite his absence, Antetokounmpo’s performance this season has been stellar, averaging a career-high 32.4 points per game on an impressive 61% shooting. Notably, he has participated in 16 of Milwaukee’s first 17 games. Coach Rivers acknowledged that such situations can occur and emphasized the importance of addressing them as they arise.
On an uplifting note, the Bucks have time to adjust and ensure that their star player is healthy moving forward. As the season progresses, it will be essential for the team to manage Antetokounmpo’s health in preparation for crucial matchups ahead. This approach not only prioritizes his well-being but also sets the stage for continued success in the competitive landscape of the NBA.