While results of an MRI exam are pending, the Milwaukee Bucks reportedly fear Giannis Antetokounmpo tore the ACL in his left knee in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals at Atlanta on Tuesday.
Officially ruled a hyperextended left knee when he left the game in the third quarter of the Bucks’ loss to the Hawks, an update on Antetokounmpo is expected Wednesday afternoon. His status for Game 5 on Thursday in Milwaukee is in doubt.
“We’ll see how he is tomorrow,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said after his team lost 110-88 to tie the best-of-seven series at two wins apiece.
“We’ll take everything as it comes,” Budenholzer added. “We’ll evaluate it. We’ve got a heck of a team, a heck of a roster.”
Bleacher Report reported late Tuesday that team sources with the Bucks feared a “severe ACL injury” prior to the MRI.
Hawks point guard Trae Young, who sat out Game 4 with a bone bruise in his right foot, will be a game-time decision for Game 5, interim coach Nate McMillan said.
Antetokounmpo was helped off the floor by his brother Thanasis after getting hurt with 7:14 left in the third period. He did not return.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was injured when he leaped to defend an alley-oop pass to Hawks big man Clint Capela. Antetokounmpo had his knee bend awkwardly as he landed. He fell to the court in intense pain, grabbing the knee, and Capela fell on top of him after scoring the basket.
The two-time NBA MVP had 14 points and eight rebounds in 24 minutes upon leaving to be examined. He returned to the floor less than three minutes later, but then again headed back to the locker room.
–Field Level Media