MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out Game 2 of the Milwaukee Bucks’ Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night because of a lingering left calf strain.
The two-time MVP also missed Game 1 and the Bucks’ last three regular-season games.
“(He) shot today, was on the floor a bunch,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said during his pregame media session. “He’s getting closer.”
Game 3 is Friday at Indianapolis.
Antetokounmpo was struggling to run up the court in the third quarter of an April 9 victory over the Boston Celtics when he grabbed his left calf and took a seat on the floor before eventually heading to the locker room. An MRI revealed the muscle strain.
Antetokounmpo hasn’t played since.
The Bucks have gone 6-5 in the games Antetokounmpo has missed this season, including a 109-94 Game 1 victory over the Pacers on Sunday night. Damian Lillard picked up the slack by scoring 35 points, all in the first half.
Red Sox 1B Triston Casas out indefinitely with broken rib suffered on hard swing at plate
UK Conservatives suspend lawmaker as sleaze allegations swirl over possible misuse of party funds
Stock market today: Asian shares gain despite Wall Street's tech
PSG star Tabitha Chawinga of Malawi overcomes obstacles en route to Champions League success
Tennis power couple Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur look loved
Party's over: Coyotes end tenure in the desert with raucous atmosphere before move
Juventus ordered to pay Ronaldo more than $10 million in salary dispute
Having a stressful job could stave off dementia, according to new analysis
Phish fans are famously dedicated. What happens when they enter the Sphere?
US tourists trapped in Dubai traumatized by floods swamping the desert playground
Erik Jones to miss Dover race because of broken lower vertebra
Arsenal crash OUT of the Champions League after losing to Harry Kane's Bayern Munich in the quarter