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After a full day of waiting for some, any bit of news about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s knee, Milwaukee Bucks fans finally have some semblance of clarity about his situation, courtesy of Woj and Zach Lowe:
There is no structural damage to Giannis Antetokounmpo's left knee after his awkward landing last night in Atlanta; ligaments are sound, sources tell @ZachLowe_NBA and me. Timetable to return is unclear.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2021
There is no structural damage to Giannis Antetokounmpo's left knee after his awkward landing last night in Atlanta; ligaments are sound, sources tell @wojespn and I. Timetable to return is unclear.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 30, 2021
Obviously, the most important part of the report is “no structural damage.” His awkward fall had all of us fearing the absolute worst when he crumpled to the ground grasping at his knee in pain. I don’t even want to consider what the long-term implications that an injury of that nature would’ve been, but for now, it appears we won’t have to traverse down the darkest timeline.
As for what this means for the rest of the Eastern Conference Finals, well, if you’re anything like me, that’s the furthest thing from your mind. And while there’s a bit more information about Giannis now, we still have no clue about the extent of his injury and when he may return. Knowing him, he’ll be fighting to play in Game Five already, but the franchise will obviously be taking the utmost caution with their superstar. I’d be surprised to see a scenario where he returns at all these Playoffs.
Still, as I’ve said, the result of this series pales in comparison to the amount of relief we all hopefully feel today. Phew folks. PHEW.
UPDATE
The Milwaukee Bucks have confirmed the report and list Giannis as “doubtful” for Game 5 with a hyperextended knee. Doubtful has never sounded so sweet.
Giannis Antetokounmpo sustained a hyperextended left knee and will be listed as doubtful for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals tomorrow night at Fiserv Forum. pic.twitter.com/mDGsTRpOVL
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) June 30, 2021
Giannis underwent an MRI and subsequent examination today by team physician Dr. Carole Vetter of the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network. The MRI confirmed the earlier diagnosis.https://t.co/6vyMEweLvn
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) June 30, 2021