Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: High output not enough
Rotowire
Antetokounmpo notched 38 points (14-27 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 10-23 FT), 20 rebounds and three assists across 42 minutes during Wednesday's 128-126 overtime loss to Miami in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
Antetokounmpo gave it all in Game 4 and Game 5, but his efforts were insufficient, and the Bucks suffered a shocking first-round exit. The MVP candidate logged only 11 minutes in Game 1 before suffering a bruised back, but he posted a triple-double in Game 4 and was outstanding in Game 5 aside from terrible free-throw shooting. It's fair to wonder what would've happened if he had been healthy throughout the entire series.
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: Suiting up for Game 5
Rotowire
Antetokounmpo (back) is available for Game 5 versus Miami on Wednesday.
Antetokounmpo has been upgraded from probable to available Wednesday despite a lower back contusion. The two-time MVP missed Games 2 and 3 before posting 26 points, 13 assists, 10 rebounds, two blocks and one steal in 38 minutes in Game 4. Antetokounmpo should operate without any restrictions in a must-win game for Milwaukee.
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Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: Expected to play Wednesday
Rotowire
Antetokounmpo is probable for Game 5 against the Heat on Wednesday with a lower back contusion.
Antetokounmpo returned to action in Game 4 after missing the previous two contests due to a lower back injury he suffered early in Game 1. Despite showing signs of discomfort, the superstar forward still played 38 minutes and shouldn't have any restrictions if he's upgraded to available Wednesday.
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: Triple-double in return
Rotowire
Antetokounmpo registered 26 points (12-22 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-4 FT), 10 rebounds, 13 assists, two blocks and one steal over 38 minutes during Monday's 119-114 loss to the Heat in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
Antetokounmpo returned to action Monday, ending with his third career playoff triple-double. However, he couldn't get the Bucks over the line, as the team gave up a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter. While he did look relatively untroubled, Antetokounmpo was seen wincing at times, while also ensuring he remained active even when on the bench. Back issues tend to linger, so while he is likely to play in a must-win game Wednesday, he may not be at 100 percent.
