The Milwaukee Bucks could be without a key player in their matchup with the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is battling left knee soreness. He is currently listed as probable against the Hawks.
So far this season, Giannis has been one of the NBA's most dominant players. Through nine games, he is averaging 31.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. He could once again find himself in the conversation for the league's Most Valuable Player.
If the Bucks star is forced to sit, the team will be heavily depleted against a surging Hawks team. Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and Pat Connaughton are all listed as out for the matchup.
Given that most of the rotation is sitting, Milwaukee might be better off being cautious and giving Giannis the night off.
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Should this Giannis Antetokounmpo injury update worry the Milwaukee Bucks?
Any time a knee injury is involved, teams should be extremely careful. All it takes is one misstep for a player's season to end in the blink of an eye. That being said, the Milwaukee Bucks shouldn't be fazed by this Giannis Antetokounmpo injury update.
Over the course of his career, Giannis has proven to be a physical specimen. During their championship run, he suffered a hyperextension and managed to come back days later like nothing had happened. He's shown that he's one of the strongest-willed players in the NBA and is able to play through pain.
Even though the All-Star forward is capable of taking the floor against the Hawks, the Bucks should not push their best player into action if they don't have to. There is still a lot of basketball to be played this season, and they need him in the best physical condition. Sitting with a record of 10-2, they can afford to drop a game or two.
One group that might be pleased with this Giannis Antetokounmpo injury update is the Atlanta Hawks. When these teams squared off the first time, he posted 34 points, 17 rebounds, and four assists in an eight-point win for the Bucks. If he sits, the Hawks will have a great opportunity to even the series and continue rising up the standings.
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