If the Milwaukee Bucks are to extend their season, they'll have to do so without reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
After re-aggravating his sprained right ankle in Game 4, Giannis has been ruled out for Game 5 of the Bucks' conference semifinals series with the Miami Heat, who have built a 3-1 series lead.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (right ankle sprain) is out for Game 5.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) September 8, 2020
Donte DiVincenzo enters the MegaBucks starting lineup!!
Antetokounmpo originally suffered the ankle injury in Milwaukee's Game 3 loss and was ruled as questionable ahead of Game 4. In Game 4, Antetokounmpo was a force early on, scoring 19 points in 11 minutes before turning the same ankle once again, causing him to leave the game.
Ahead of Game 5, Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said Antetokounmpo was a game-time decision based on how his body reacted to treatment and his pregame routine. Antetokounmpo was seen entering the arena in a walking boot and, according to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, was not moving well as he warmed up.
Giannis Antetokounmpo arrives at the arena ahead of the Bucks’ Game 5 against the Heat. pic.twitter.com/aUYO6he8bd
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) September 8, 2020
In Game 4, it was All-Star Khris Middleton that stepped up in Giannis' absence, scoring 30 of his 36 points in the second half of an overtime win. The top-seeded Bucks will need a similar effort from Middleton and a team effort all around to extend the series once again.
Milwaukee and Miami take the floor for Game 5 at 4 a.m. IST.
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