The Milwaukee Bucks will attempt to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals without Giannis Antetokounmpo in the mix when they take on the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday.
The Greek Freak missed Game 5 after suffering an hyperextended left knee in the previous game. Despite the ugly-looking injury, Giannis avoided any structural damage.
This could lead to the two-time NBA MVP returning for Game 7 should the Hawks force that decisive matchup at home Saturday evening.
Without Giannis Antetokounmpo on the court for Game 5 on Thursday, Milwaukee was able to come away with a 123-112 win and a 3-2 series lead.
It will be extra difficult to eliminate the Hawks on the road Saturday evening. That’s especially true if Trae Young returns from his own injury (bone bruise in the foot) for this all-important matchup. He’s missed the past two games.
Antetokounmpo, 26, is averaging 28.2 points and 12.7 rebounds thus far in the playoffs. The best-case scenario for Milwaukee would be for the team to close out Atlanta without Giannis in the mix for Game 6, enabling him to be ready to go for a potential Game 1 matchup against the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals next Thursday.