Giannis Antetokounmpo, the NBA’s leading scorer this season, was unexpectedly ruled out of the Milwaukee Bucks’ NBA Cup matchup against the Miami Heat on Tuesday night due to swelling in his left knee.
Antetokounmpo was initially expected to play, with the team listing him as probable due to a strained left calf. However, the knee issue arose shortly before the game, catching both the player and coaching staff off guard.
“I never know,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said about 90 minutes prior to tip-off, shortly after the team announced the knee concern. “Honestly, that’s breaking news to me, too, right now.”
Despite the absence of their star player, the Bucks secured a 106-103 victory over the Heat, marking their fifth consecutive win, thanks in large part to Damian Lillard’s impressive 37-point performance.
Milwaukee’s next game is scheduled for Saturday against the Washington Wizards. Under the NBA’s player participation policy, which was implemented last season, teams must provide an approved reason for star players missing games, particularly during nationally televised and NBA In-Season Tournament matches. Antetokounmpo, a two-time Kia MVP, falls under this category, and the game in Miami was both nationally televised on TNT and part of the NBA Cup.
Earlier on Tuesday, the league fined the Atlanta Hawks $100,000 for violating this policy by sidelining Trae Young during a Cup game against Boston on November 12, after an investigation determined he was fit to play.
While Antetokounmpo’s absence raises questions, it does not automatically trigger a league investigation. The eight-time All-Star, who is averaging a career-high 32.4 points on 61% shooting this season, has participated in 16 of Milwaukee’s first 17 games.
“Listen, the way he plays and how he works, there’s going to be things like this,” Rivers added. “And when they come, you just deal with them.”
Related topics
- Rasheer Fleming Displays Versatility vs. P5s
- Wizards Rookies Excel vs. Pacers
- Maui Invitational Tournament Preview
