Why Giannis Antetokounmpo Has a Chance to Play in All-Star Game Despite Wrist Injury

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo did not finish the final game before the All-Star break because of a right wrist injury he suffered on a block attempt in the second quarter.

By video, Antetokounmpo suffered a right wrist sprain when he tried to brace his fall against the stanchion at the base of the basket, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.

X-rays came back negative for a fracture, meaning he has a chance to play in the All-Star game on Sunday.

The 28-year-old is unlikely to hurt his wrist more by playing Sunday and will be able to play with his full range of abilities, including dunking the ball, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.

Antetokounmpo has played in six straight All-Star games and received his seventh straight selection this season. He scored 30 points in 27 minutes during last year’s win as part of Team Lebron, raising his All-Star game scoring average to 29 points.

He has been listed on the injury report with right knee soreness for a majority of the season, but has only missed six games because of the knee this season. The two-time MVP missed five games in January after suffering a left knee sprain.

If he does miss the All-Star game, he should return shortly after the break. It’s possible he doesn’t miss any game time and is fully ready to play when the season resumes Feb. 24 against the Heat on ESPN.

Milwaukee (41-17) is on a 12-game win streak and sits a half-game behind the Celtics for first place in the Eastern Conference.

2023 NBA All-Star Game Odds

The over/under for the 72nd All-Star game is 323.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. For the first time in history, the teams will be selected the day of the game via a playground style selection process involving Lebron James and Antetokounmpo as the captains.

Team Giannis is already at +130 on the moneyline, while Team Lebron is currently -154. The spread will be determined after the teams are fully selected.

James is +550 to win All-Star game MVP, while Antetokounmpo is at +650 – tied with Joel Embiid.

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