The Milwaukee Bucks are down 2-1 in their series vs. the Miami Heat, and things have been way more complicated than originally expected.
Mike Budeholzer’s team has had to face this series mostly without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s been out since the first quarter of Game 1 after suffering a lower-back contusion.
Fortunately for them, barring any setbacks, the Greek Freak will be back on the floor for Game 4 tonight, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Sources: Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will return to the lineup in Game 4 vs. Heat tonight barring any setbacks. Antetokounmpo missed Games 2 and 3 with a lower back contusion.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 24, 2023
The Heat will be without star guard Tyler Herro for the remainder of the playoffs, as he suffered a broken hand in Game 1.
The Bucks were able to rally without Giannis to even things up in Game 2 but couldn’t keep up with the Heat’s physicality once the series headed to South Beach.
Having Giannis back on the floor will be huge for the Bucks on both ends of the glass, as he drives way too much attention defensively when he drives to the rim and is an elite defender who can guard one through five and switch efficiently on the defensive end of the floor.
The Bucks weren’t supposed to find much trouble against a No. 8 seeded Heat team that had issues keeping up the effort and intensity throughout the regular season.
And with the Boston Celtics looking to close out the Atlanta Hawks in just five games, getting some much-needed rest is a must for them.
So, they need to take care of business now and cannot afford to extend this series any further, especially thinking of Giannis’ health.
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