Giannis Antetokounmpo is out with a knee injury, but there is some hope the Bucks star could return for a potential Game 7 against the Hawks if necessary.
The Bucks and Hawks may not make it past Game 6. But if they do, Milwaukee could be in for a huge boost.
Injured star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is doubtful to play in Game 6, could be on his way back.
“There’s belief Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) would be given the green light for a potential Game 7 if Hawks avoid elimination in Game 6 on Saturday,” Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports tweeted.
Giannis Antetokounmpo could return for Game 7 between the Bucks and Hawks
There was a time it wasn’t clear Antetokounmpo would be able to return to the playoffs at all. When the Bucks forward injured his knee during Game 4, it looked potentially serious.
Fortunately for Milwaukee and the NBA, the injury was diagnosed as a hyperextended knee with an MRI revealing no structural damage.
While Antetokounmpo avoided a playoffs-ending injury, he was unable to play in Game 5. His teammates stepped up to ensure a victory and a 3-2 series lead.
Now the Eastern Conference Finals could come down to Game 6. The Hawks have to win or go home.
They are also facing questions about their star player, Trae Young. He suffered a bone bruise on his foot in Game 3 and has missed two games since. He is questionable for Game 6.
If the series continues, both Antetokounmpo and Young could be back on the court for the decisive Game 7. Of course, the Bucks would probably prefer that it doesn’t come to that.
The NBA Finals are set to begin once the Bucks and Hawks resolve their series. If Milwaukee advances, it seems likely Antetokounmpo will be available in some capacity.