Bucks Optimistic About Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Return for Game 2

• The Milwaukee Bucks are optimistic about Giannis Antetokoumpo's status for Game 2
• The two-time MVP sustained a lower back contusion in the game with the Miami Heat
• The Bucks suffered a painful 130-117 defeat at home but will breathe a sigh of relief

The Milwaukee Bucks received an injury scare from their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who fell badly in Game 1 of their best-of-seven series against the Miami Heat.

However, the good news is the MRI has come back clean and they are positive the two-time MVP can return for Game 2.

Antetokounmpo's absence was felt as the Bucks lost 130-117 to the Heat at home. The Bucks play Game 2 on Wednesday night and are hopeful the 2021 NBA Finals MVP will be good to go.

In Game 1, the Greek Freak took a pass from Joe Ingles and drove to the hoop in the middle of the first quarter. As he took off to the rim, Kevion Love attempted to take a charge.

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With his legs already up, the Bucks superstar crashed hard to the floor, hurting his lower back, per CBS Sports.

Atetokounmpo shot his free throws and continued to play for a few minutes. He went straight to the locker room a short while later and was back on the bench before the second quarter started.

He played for a few minutes but could not continue. He was then ruled out for the rest of the contest.

Bucks optimistic about Antetokounmpo

Bucks' head coach, Mike Budenholzer said on April 17 that the MRI was clean but they would keep an eye on Antetokounmpo ahead of Game 2.

However, they are feeling positive and mostly optimistic.

“I would say he’s still sore, but I think progress. And he’s getting some more treatment and I think we’ll just continue to monitor him for the next day or two. Probably fortunate that there are two days between games... but we’ll see how he feels over the next day or two,” he said via the Athletic.

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The Greek player is the Bucks' most important on both ends of the floor; therefore, having him on the court is vital for their championship ambitions. He missed 19 regular season games.

Giving up 130 points to the league’s 25th-most efficient offense will be an issue they will look to address. They'll need to step up in Game 2 even without their star player.

Antetokounmpo named MVP finalist

Sports Brief earlier reported on Bucks superstar, Antetokounmpo leading the race for the 2022/23 NBA MVP award.

He won the award in 2019 and 2020 and has had a phenomenal 2022/23 season, averaging 31.1 points a game, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game.

Denver Nuggets center and reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic and Philadelphia 76ers star, Joel Embiid are also finalists.