2 min read • February 25, 2023
Posted in
Despite a concerning exit from Friday night’s win over the Miami Heat, Giannis Antetokounmpo should not require a long absence for his right knee injury.
By video, Antetokounmpo suffered a quad contusion when bumped knees with Heat guard Gabe Vincent and exited shortly after subbing in for his second stint, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.
The injury is unrelated to the right knee soreness that has kept him on the injury report for a majority of the season, which is good news for him and the Bucks.
After the game, head coach Mike Budenholzer confirmed the All-Star forward was injured from knee-to-knee contact and said the team wouldn’t know more until getting an MRI.
Milwaukee’s superstar also suffered a right knee contusion on Feb. 14, but returned to the game and did not miss time after.
The difference between that instance and Friday’s contest was likely the long rest he had in between taking the court again, allowing the injury to “tighten up” on him. He subbed out at the 6:02 mark in the first quarter and did not return until the 1:40 mark.
If Antetokounmpo misses time it will likely be load management related, rather than from the knee contusion.
Friday was also his first game playing through the right wrist sprain he suffered just before the All-Star break. His wrist also is not a concern for the remainder of the season as he will have full ability to dunk, dribble and finish at the rim.
The Bucks, on an NBA-best 13-game win streak, next play Sunday against the Suns on ABC. If Antetokounmpo misses that game, Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez are likely in line for increased playing time.
Portis had 18 points and 11 assists in 22 minutes of action Friday night, his first game back since his Jan. 23 MCL sprain.
The Bucks have the second best odds to win the NBA Finals at +440, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The Celtics have the best odds with +280.
Antetokounmpo is +1000 to win MVP, trailing favorites Nikola Jokic (-260) and Joel Embiid (+500).
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