Giannis Antetokounmpo injured: Bucks hit by injury doubt ahead of Bulls clash
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO has been listed as an injury doubt by the Milwaukee Bucks ahead of their trip to play the Chicago Bulls.
Antetokounmpo has been one of the best players in the NBA this season and is the frontrunner to be named the league’s Most Valuable Player.
‘The Greek Freak’ has played 55 games this season and averages 27.2 points per game so far.
Antetokounmpo has won 43 and only lost 12 games with the Bucks this term, but he could miss out on a trip to Chicago this evening.
The 6ft 11in forward has been listed as a doubt for the clash with the Bulls, and the club citing ‘right knee soreness’ for the uncertainty.
According to stats on the official NBA website before the All-Star break, Milwaukee’s offensive rating jumps from 104.9 to 113.2 with the 24-year-old in play and his average scores are just as impressive.
The Greek has averaged 27.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game with an additional 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks and a shooting rate of 58 per cent.
The Bucks beat the Timberwolves on Saturday with Antetokounmpo scoring 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists as the franchise took their win streak to four consecutive games.
Coach Mike Budenholzer revealed after that victory just how his star player has managed to improve his shooting so dramatically.
He’s put a lot of time and energy and effort in
“He’s put a lot of time and energy and effort in,” Budenholzer said.
“From the beginning of the summer through and up until including today, so it’s been a consistent message.
“We want him to shoot, we want him to feel confident.
“I think the reps and the time he’s putting in, before and after practice, with Ben Sullivan is really paying off in his mechanics.
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“It’s all very subtle but I think you’re seeing the positive results, including even when he misses.
“I think the shots, his shots is just getting better and better.”
The Bucks are set to take on the Bulls this evening as they look to extended their lead at the top of the table.
If Antetokounmpo is to miss out via injury, it could act as a welcome break for the star before the approaching playoffs.