The two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a lower back injury in the debut of the game against the Miami Heat and must now take some time to recover as his team. The Milwaukee Bucks struggle against the Miami Heat. His injury is one affecting many NBA players lately because a rival shooting guard from the Miami Heat —Tyer Herro— broke two fingers in his right hand, and Memphis’ Ja Morrant point guard is also down with another hand lesion.
This lower back injury puts him out of the game at a moment when his team, the Milwaukee Bucks, needs him the most. Giannis is crucial to the Bucks’ offensive game, and while they’re facing one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA, they’re not going to be as much of a threat against the Heat, who are going to play their next two games at home to see if they can get ahead in the series.
What Happened To Giannis?
Giannis hurt his back after a pretty nasty fall in Game 1 while trying to dunk the ball against the Miami Heat in the first four minutes of the game. During his attempted dunk, Kevin Love slid in his way and bang! Poor Giannis! The Greek-Nigerian NBA MVP landed with a loud knock on his lower back and was seen in a lot of pain and having trouble getting up to continue.
The lower back contusion suffered by the 7-time NBA All-Star is a mild one, as far as we know, because after the game, he had an x-ray that showed no bone damage. Still, Giannis must take some rest, and his future in playing the rest of this NBA Playoffs depends on how his back heals.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Video
https://youtu.be/jmI7SqVaeAc
Who’s Playing In The NBA Playoffs?
The 2023 NBA Playoff bracket plays the best eight teams of the regular season from the Eastern and Western conferences.
For the Eastern Conference:
- Milwaukee Bucks (1) play vs. the Miami Heat (8)
- The Cleveland Cavaliers (4) play vs. The New York Knicks (5)
- The Philadelphia 76ers (3) play vs. The Brooklyn Nets (6)
- The Boston Celtics (2) play vs. The Atlanta Hawks (7)
For the Western Conference:
- The Denver Nuggets (1) play vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (8)
- The Phoenix Suns (4) play vs. Los Angeles Clippers (5)
- The Sacramento Kings (3) play vs. Golden State Warriors (6)
- The Memphis Grizzlies (2) play vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7)
Where To Watch The NBA Playoffs Online?
The NBA Playoffs kicked off back on April 15, 2023, and the games are featured on online platforms like NBA’s on NBA TV, ESPN, TNT, and ABC. Moreover, if you have access to broadcast television and have a paid tv provider, the games are free to stream on ABC with your login credentials.
Additionally, services like Fubo TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV are streaming the Playoffs.
When Do The Bucks Play Next?
The series moves to Miami for the next couple of games. As such, game three will take place at Kaseya Center at 6:30 pm, Eastern Time, United States, on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
Also Read: Klay Thompson’s Ex-Girlfriends: The NBA Player’s Dating History
Do The Bucks Stand A Chance Without Giannis In Game 2?
Despite Giannis’ injury, the Bucks lost game 1 without their twice NBA Most Valuable Player and on Wednesday, April 19, they managed to win Game 2 against the Miami Heat with a score of 138-122, a very tight victory that shows just how much the Bucks are hurting.
Moreover, the Bucks know that a 2 game deficit would be devastating for them, still, despite winning, the players know they didn’t play well. If you watch the replays, you’ll notice how they’re taking the 3-point shots, but that’s not enough to take them to the finish line.
On the other hand, if you look at how things are doing in the Miami Heat, they’re not so well either because Tyler Herro broke his fingers in Game 1 and they have to deal with rotational issues.
Also Read: What Happened To Zion Williamson? The NBA Player’s Update On Health And Career
