What is the latest update on the status of Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the Milwaukee Bucks‘ series opening 109-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. The two-time MVP remains sidelined with a left calf strain, which he suffered in the team’s 104-91 victory over the Boston Celtics on April 9th. It marked his fourth consecutive game missed, after he was sidelined for the final three games of the regular season.

Speaking on the Run It Back podcast, Shams Charania provided an update on his status, stating:

Giannis is progressing slowly, but surely. He’s doing some on-court work, ball handling drills, but it’s mostly been stationary shooting from what I’m told, free-throw line shooting. And the fact that not being able to jump fully, as of yet, the expectation is Giannis is missing multiple games in this series. From what I’m told, this is a 2-4 week injury. Tuesday, Game 2, marks two weeks for Giannis since the injury so you’re looking at his window starting really over the next week, two weeks for a potential return.

Check out Shams Charania’s full comments on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status below:

"Giannis [Antetokounmpo] is progressing slowly but surely…From what I'm told this is a 2-4 week injury. Tuesday, game 2, marks 2 weeks for Giannis since the injury—so you're looking at his window starting really over the next week, 2 weeks, for a potential return."… pic.twitter.com/5AA2EmhbXq

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) April 22, 2024

While the Bucks were able to cruise to victory in Game 1 – leading by as many as 30 points and never trailing the 8:12 mark in the first quarter – they will need Antetokounmpo if they hope to make a deep run this postseason. The eight-time All-Star continued to play at an elite level, averaging 30.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 61.1% from the field.

Should the Milwaukee Bucks sit Giannis Antetokounmpo for the rest of the first round?

Despite the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks were dominant in their postseason opener. Damian Lillard led the way with 35 points, while Khris Middleton added 23 and Bobby Portis chipped in with 15. Milwaukee never appeared to be in real danger, leading some to suggest that they should allow their two-time MVP to rest for the remainder of the first round.

While the Bucks had a great game, it only counts for one win. The win will buy them time as they will not feel pressure to rush Antetokounmpo back, however, the Indiana Pacers will make adjustments in Game 2. Milwaukee should give Giannis the proper time needed to heal, but they should not make the decision to sideline him for the opening round if he is healthy.

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