Bucks injury report: What is Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status against Clippers?

Despite extensive public scrutiny since Doc Rivers’ appointment as the Bucks HC, the Milwaukee-based franchise has kept its playoff bid well and alive. This success can be attributed to the dominant performances orchestrated by the tandem of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.

The Greek Freak has been especially impressive, but some concerning news has turned the Bucks’ training camp atmosphere as cloudy as the current Milwaukee weather. With the final stretch of 20-odd games before the playoffs, fitness and performance must strike a cohesive balance, ultimately deciding the fate of the franchise’s title quest.

Will Giannis Antetokounmpo play against Clippers?

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a consistent performer despite receiving several injuries but his latest injury could make him miss his third game of the season. The Milwaukee Bucks will face the LA Clippers on Monday with a possibility of proceeding without their star forward, Giannis. The 29-year-old has been listed as questionable for the upcoming game due to left Achilles tendinitis.

Despite dealing with back issues, calf and shoulder injuries, Antetokounmpo has averaged 30.8 points, 11.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists in the 59 games he played so far this season. The forward has joined the Bucks’ injury list, which includes Khris Middleton ruled out, whereas MarJon Beauchamp could be a probable option, and Chris Livingston is doubtful for Monday’s game.

The Clippers’ Russell Westbrook will also miss the game due to his hand injury. Coming back from the NBA All-Star break, the Bucks have won all five games, dominating most of them, while the Clippers have won three of the six games. Giannis’ absence could help the Clippers get back on track as the Bucks will look to maintain their foothold on the second position in the Eastern Conference table.

Giannis Antetokounmpo takes back his words

Following a 112-108 loss against the Houston Rockets on Jan. 6, the Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo made a bold statement making it clear that nothing was going in the right way and everything needs to be better in the franchise, even the equipment manager who washes clothes.

The 2-time NBA MVP said, “It starts from the equipment manager — he has to wash our clothes better.” They needed improved defense as well as offense, better-trained players on the bench, a better coach with finer strategy, and vocal team leaders who could guide the team in the right direction.

Antetokounmpo also mentioned that they require more faith in each other for the team to grow, stating, “We have to be better. We have four months to get better, so we’ll see.” After performing incredibly well in the last five games, the 2020 DPOY winner took back his words, stating that he had jokingly made the earlier statement.

Acknowledging the effort everyone had put into the recent success, Giannis added, “now they’ve gotta go back to their teams and organizations and ask for a raise because they’re doing too much, they have to get paid more.”

So if any team out there needs a quick turn of fortune, they should take a page out of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s book and tell their equipment manager to do better as soon as possible.