One of the biggest storylines heading into Tuesday's Game 1 matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns is the status of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The former back-to-back MVP is still dealing with a knee injury that has kept him out for the last two games, and unfortunately, it doesn't look like he's going to be ready for the opening game of the Finals.
This report comes via NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic:
Giannis Antetokounmpo listed doubtful for Game 1 of Bucks-Suns NBA Finals.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2021
Giannis Antetokounmpo is DOUBTFUL to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the team has announced.
Bucks and Suns are set to tip off the Finals on Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/O3SK4tjzCx
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 6, 2021
Giannis sustained the injury in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks and it was later revealed that it was a hyperextended knee. There was some optimism about Antetokounmpo being fit enough to suit up for Game 1 of the Finals, but this recent update goes against that initial report.
Then again, the Bucks have not officially ruled their superstar out for Tuesday's key matchup. As such, there is still a glimmer of hope that Giannis is somehow able to play through the injury in Game 1. There's no denying that this will be a huge risk for Milwaukee, so it remains to be seen how they will act with regards to the injury.
If it were up to Antetokounmpo himself, he'd likely want to take the floor on Tuesday. This is the first time in his career that he's reached the NBA Finals, so he probably won't let anything get in his way. As such, it would be key for the Bucks medical team to intervene here so that Giannis does not put himself in danger of suffering a potentially long-term injury.
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