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 – Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, will not play against the Atlanta Hawks in Saturday’s sixth game of the Eastern Conference finals, the club announced.
The 26-year-old Greek forward is recovering from a hyperextended left knee suffered when he landed awkwardly in game four of the best-of-seven series against the Hawks.
The Bucks own a 3-2 lead in the matchup and can advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974 with a road victory on Saturday night.
Atlanta star point guard Trae Young was listed as questionable with a bone bruise in his right foot. He twisted his ankle stepping on a referee’s foot in game three.
Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks holds his ankle after an injury during the second half in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks at State Farm Arena on June 27, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Getty Images via AFP)
The Hawks, who last reached the finals 60 years ago when based in St. Louis, need a victory to force a seventh game on Monday in Milwaukee.
The East winner will play the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals.