With the Bucks facing a 2-1 series deficit in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, the focus is on whether or not Giannis Antetokounmpo will rejoin the lineup to help his team.
Antetokounmpo first went down in the first quarter of Milwaukee's Game 1 loss to Miami. The two-time MVP exited the floor after taking a hard fall on a drive to the basket.
Clearly in pain, Antetokounmpo made his way to the locker room and received treatment before unsuccessfully attempting to return to the game. After it was determined that Antetokounmpo had sustained a back injury, he has been limited to just 11 minutes of action in the series.
While there was initial optimism surrounding Antetokounmpo playing in Game 2, he was later ruled out for both Games 2 and 3 because of the injury, placing questions around his status for the remainder of the series.
What's next for Antetokounmpo and the Bucks? Here's what we know about his injury and when he may return to the series.
MORE: Latest injury news around the NBA
What is Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury?
Further evaluation revealed that Antetokounmpo is dealing with a lower back contusion. The two-time MVP underwent an MRI that came back "clean."
Giannis Antetokounmpo takes a hard fall as Kevin Love attempts to draw a charge. pic.twitter.com/bFBRdaEsz8
— Bally Sports Sun: HEAT (@BallyHEAT) April 16, 2023
Antetokounmpo is coming off an MVP-caliber season in which he averaged 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 55.3 percent from the field.
During the regular season, the Bucks were 47-16 with Antetokounmpo in the lineup. Milwaukee went 11-8 when Antetokounmpo was sidelined.
How long will Giannis Antetokounmpo be out?
Ahead of Monday's Game 4, it was announced that Antetokounmpo will make his return to the court for Milwaukee.
ESPN Sources: Milwaukee star Giannis Antekounmpo (lower back) is set to return to the lineup vs. Miami in Game 4 tonight. He warmed up on the court pregame and feels ready to return after missing Games 2 and 3.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 24, 2023
Antetokounmpo was downgraded from questionable to out on the Bucks' official injury report before Game 3. Going into Game 4, Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer indicated that there were a number of factors at play regarding Antetokokunmpo's status.
While the Bucks did not practice on April 23, Antetokounmpo did individual work, but Budenholzer said that "we'll see how he feels from the session today and see how he wakes up tomorrow," with respect to his status for Game 4.
When asked what's standing in the way of Antetokounmpo's return, Budenholzer added that "I think the medical group, myself Jon (Horst), Giannis just have to feel like he's in a place where he can play."
The group has cleared Antetokounmpo to play, giving the Bucks a much-needed lift as they look to even the series in Miami.
Bucks vs. Heat schedule
| Date | Game | Time (ET)/Result | TV channel |
| April 16 | Game 1 | Heat 130, Bucks 117 | — |
| April 19 | Game 2 | Bucks 138, Heat 122 | — |
| April 22 | Game 3 | Heat 121, Bucks 99 | — |
| April 24 | Game 4 | 7:30 p.m. at Heat | TNT |
| April 26 | Game 5 | 9:30 p.m. at Bucks | NBA TV |
| April 28 | Game 6* | TBD at Heat | TBD |
| April 30 | Game 7* | TBD at Bucks | TBD |
*If necessary
