With Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo hopeful to play in Game 2 after sustaining a back injury in the First Round series opener against the Miami Heat, The Athletic's Shams Charania provides an update on the two-time MVP's status moving forward:

“It's still a pain tolerance injury. MRI came back clean. X-Rays came back clean. But whether he plays today — (Bucks head coach) Mike Budenholzer said yesterday [the Bucks] are optimistic… the next 24 hours that he's able to figure it out — he's going through treatment around the clock.

Basically, exactly what he did around the NBA Finals a couple of years ago just in order to play. They're down 1-0. Clearly, they need him in the lineup to try to win and even [the series] up tonight.”

Article Continues Below
Related Milwaukee Bucks News
Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) controls the ball
Knicks rumors: Bill Simmons floats blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo 3-team tradeJulian Ojeda ¡
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) gets ready to play the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum.
Bucks rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo will be ‘first up’ in wild offseason, says Brian WindhorstPreston Byers ·
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) talk after their game at TD Garden.
Damian Lillard shares photo with Celtics’ Jayson Tatum amid Achilles rehabsZachary Howell ·
Shaq’s OGs guard Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors and forward Jayson Tatum (0) of the Boston Celtics and guard Damian Lillard (0) of the Milwaukee Bucks and forward Kevin Durant (35) of the Phoenix Suns celebrate with the trophy after defeating Chuck’s Global Stars during the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center.
Giannis Antetokounmpo makes strong declaration for 2026 NBA All-Star GameScotty White ¡
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the ball over Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) in the second half.
Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo breaks silence on viral ankle-breaker momentJosh Davis ·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) warms up before game three against the Indiana Pacers in the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum.
Carmelo Anthony on why Giannis Antetokounmpo trade is unlike Luka DoncicScotty White ¡

 

“But even if he plays, it's still going to be something that's going to be bothering him. He's still dealing with a wrist injury — a ligament injury his wrist — so we'll see if Giannis plays tonight or not. I think he is going to determined to play. The team is obviously hopeful that he plays.”

Although it's certainly good news for the Bucks that Giannis didn't necessarily sustain a severe injury, his ability to dominate as a player that relies on a barrage of attacks at the rim may be impacted.

Especially if players like Heat forward Kevin Love, a veteran player whose best defensive ability is his recognition of when to take a charge, continues to slide in front of him with a head of steam.