Giannis Antetokounmpo misses key game due to knee swelling
- Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out of the NBA Cup game against the Miami Heat due to swelling in his left knee, despite being listed as probable.
- The Bucks will not play again until hosting the Washington Wizards, giving time for Antetokounmpo's knee to be evaluated.
- Rivers emphasized the team's approach to managing player health, especially for key players like Middleton and Antetokounmpo.
In Miami, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the leading scorer for the Milwaukee Bucks this season, was unexpectedly sidelined during the NBA Cup game against the Miami Heat due to swelling in his left knee. Initially, he was considered probable to play after suffering a strained left calf and was even expected to participate until shortly before the game. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers expressed surprise at the sudden news, indicating that he was unaware of any knee issues until mere minutes before the game began. This situation arises in the context of the NBA's player participation policy, which requires teams to provide approved reasons for star players not participating in national televised games and special events like the NBA In-Season Tournament. The league recently fined the Atlanta Hawks for a similar violation concerning their player Trae Young. Milwaukee will not play again until they face the Washington Wizards on Saturday, giving them time to monitor Antetokounmpo's condition and determine next steps. Additionally, the team is working on the potential return of their three-time All-Star, Khris Middleton, who has not played this season following surgery on both ankles. Middleton is currently engaging in practice sessions but lacks a defined timetable for his return to actual games. Coach Rivers has emphasized the importance of patiently managing player injuries throughout the season, especially for key contributors like Antetokounmpo and Middleton.