Bucks president announces Giannis sidelined for Game 1 against Pacers

The Milwaukee Bucks are once again facing playoff challenges due to injuries, with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined as they prepare to face Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers. Bucks president Peter Feigin confirmed on a local radio show that Giannis will sit out Game 1 of the first-round series due to a calf strain, with his return timetable uncertain.

Despite their dominance this season, the Bucks struggled against the Pacers in the regular season, losing four out of five matchups. Antetokounmpo's absence will be keenly felt, especially considering his remarkable performances against Indiana, averaging 42.2 points and 13 rebounds per game, including a franchise-record 64 points in their lone victory.

The Bucks' playoff hopes have been marred by injuries in recent years, with Antetokounmpo's back issue contributing to last season's early exit and Khris Middleton's absence impacting their title defense in 2022. With Antetokounmpo posting impressive stats this season, averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, his absence poses a significant challenge for Milwaukee.

As they navigate through this setback, the Bucks will need to tread carefully, weighing the risk of rushing Antetokounmpo back against the potential consequences of another playoff disappointment. Their postseason journey begins without their star player, leaving them with an uphill battle against a resilient Pacers squad.


Source TSN : Antetokounmpo's injury casts shadow over Bucks' first-round series with Pacers
Source CBS Sports : Giannis Antetokounmpo injury update: Bucks president says star out for Game 1 vs. Pacers, timetable uncertain