The Milwaukee Bucks officially announced on Wednesday afternoon that star player Giannis Antetokounmpo would be missing Wednesday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets. He’s out with a knee injury. The nature of Antetokounmpo’s absence is concerning. With the hardest schedule in the league coming up soon, they will need him at his best to see it through.
The timing of Antetokounmpo’s knee issue is particularly unfortunate with the Bucks about to enter a stretch of four games in five nights. To make matters worse for Milwaukee, this clash with the Hornets accounts for the third game in a four-night stretch for them. In the follow-up to their game against Charlotte, the Bucks turn right around to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. The quintet will try to keep things rolling with the absence of one of their most visible players.
On offense, the Hornets are looking to make their boon in having both LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller on the floor. We’re looking forward to welcoming both players to the court this evening. Ball, who previously dealt with a right ankle impingement, has returned to the lineup, while Miller will play without any complications from a left shoulder subluxation. Their contributions will be even more important as Charlotte looks to take advantage of the Bucks’ troubling times.
Compounding Milwaukee’s woes, fellow returnee, Porter, is still out after spraining his left ankle in the opener. He’s recovering from meniscus surgery on his right knee and will miss Wednesday’s game too.
If the Bucks hope to build a contender again, they’ll have to move fast and adjust to the new normal of their updated roster. Currently, Antetokounmpo’s absence is significant, considering his contributions to the team’s overall performance. His 6.2 average assists per game is a big question mark, but one player on the current roster averages 6.2 assists per game. This would be a great way to help cover for the loss of Antetokounmpo.
Leave a Reply