Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is injured against Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals at State Farm Arena on June 29, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Getty Images via AFP)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has suffered a hyperextended left knee and is listed as doubtful for Thursday’s NBA playoff game against Atlanta, the team announced Wednesday.
The 26-year-old Greek star forward was injured in the third quarter of Milwaukee’s 110-88 loss in Atlanta on Tuesday, which left the best-of-seven Eastern Conference final level at two wins each.
The series winner will face either the Phoenix Suns or Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA Finals that begin next week.
Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Antetokounmpo underwent an MRI and subsequent physical examination Wednesday by Bucks team physician Dr. Carole Vetter, confirming an earlier diagnosis.
Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.2 points, an NBA playoffs-best 12.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 37.4 minutes per game in the post-season.
The injury took place with 7:14 remaining in the third quarter when Antetokounmpo landed awkwardly while leaping in the air defensively. He did not return to the contest.
The Bucks will host game five on Thursday with the Hawks hosting game six on Saturday. A seventh game, if needed, would be back in Milwaukee on Monday.