Giannis Antetokounmpo will not return to the Bucks’ matchup against the Heat on Sunday after sustaining a lower back contusion near the end of the first quarter, the team announced.
Antetokounmpo exited Game 1 of the first-round series after frighteningly landing on on his back following a collision with Kevin Love on a drive to the rim. After going to the locker room, the superstar forward returned with a wrap around his lower back and eventually checked back into the game with 9:56 to play in the second quarter, only to leave the game for good at the 8:33 mark.
Prior to his injury, Antetokounmpo tallied six points and three rebounds on 2-of-4 shooting in 11 minutes of action.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been ruled OUT for the rest of the game due to this fall earlier in the game. pic.twitter.com/oWWuoAWc4z
— Bally Sports Sun: HEAT (@BallyHEAT) April 16, 2023
The loss of Antetokounmpo, who appeared to be in notable pain before being ruled out, deals an obviously massive blow to the top-seeded Bucks as they look to begin their quest for a second NBA championship in three seasons with a win.
It’s unclear if the two-time MVP will be forced to miss extended time beyond Sunday, though it’s worth noting Milwaukee has gone 11–8 when Antetokounmpo has missed games this season. Of course, having the 28-year-old in the fold alongside Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton is an outcome the Bucks are clearly hoping for sooner rather than later.
The Bucks and No. 8 seed Heat will meet for Game 2 in Milwaukee on Wednesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET on NBA TV.
