The absences of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Trae Young are looming large as the Bucks and Hawks look to keep their championship hopes alive.
Both Antetokounmpo (hyperextension of left knee) and Young (bone bruise in right foot) are recovering from injuries suffered during the 2021 Eastern Conference finals. A Young-less Atlanta team managed to even the series with a Game 4 win, but Milwaukee responded by taking Game 5 without Antetokounmpo.
MORE: How Bucks bludgeoned Hawks in Game 5 with interior excellence
Both stars haven't been ruled out of the NBA playoffs, so when will they return to the court?
Here are the latest updates on Antetokounmpo and Young ahead of Saturday's Game 6.
Will Giannis Antetokounmpo play vs. Hawks?
UPDATE: The Bucks announced Saturday afternoon that Antetokounmpo is out for Game 6.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is out (hyperextended left knee) for Game 6 tonight. pic.twitter.com/qq9UkiDKb6
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 3, 2021
ORIGINAL: Antetokounmpo is listed as doubtful on the official Game 6 injury report. He was given the same designation ahead of Game 5 before ultimately being ruled out.
While it seems unlikely Antetokounmpo will be available for Game 6, there is some good news for Bucks fans. Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes reports that the two-time NBA MVP could be cleared to play if the series reaches a Game 7.
There’s belief Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) would be given the green light for a potential Game 7 if Hawks avoid elimination in Game 6 on Saturday, league sources tell @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 2, 2021
Through 15 postseason games, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists while shooting 55.1 percent from the field.
Will Trae Young play vs. Bucks?
UPDATE: Young will play in Game 6, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Malika Andrews.
Hawks star Trae Young will play in Game 6 tonight vs. Milwaukee, sources tell @wojespn and me. Young missed the last two games with a bone bruise in his right foot.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) July 3, 2021
ORIGINAL: Young is listed as questionable for Game 6. The 22-year-old was also listed as questionable before Game 5 but didn't play after testing out his injured foot during pregame warmups.
Hawks coach Nate McMillan told reporters Friday that Young's availability may come down to how much pain he is feeling in that right foot.
Nate McMillan on Trae Young: "It’s not anything that is long term. He has had pain that is not comfortable enough for him to get out there and feel like he can help the team.”
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) July 2, 2021
Through 15 postseason games, Young is averaging 29.8 points and 9.5 assists.
Bucks vs. Hawks Game 6 injury report
(Current as of 5:30 p.m. ET Saturday)
| Team | Player | Status | Reason |
| Bucks | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Out | Left knee; hyperextension |
| Bucks | Donte DiVincenzo | Out | Left ankle; surgery |
| Hawks | Bogdan Bogdanovic | Probable | Right knee; soreness |
| Hawks | Brandon Goodwin | Out | Respiratory; condition |
| Hawks | De'Andre Hunter | Out | Right meniscus; surgery |
| Hawks | Trae Young | Questionable | Right foot; bone bruise |
