The Milwaukee Bucks erase all doubts after their statement win yesterday in the series opener against the Indiana Pacers. Damian Lillard was all the Bucks needed on offense to take distance in the scoreboard and finish the game early. Giannis Antetokounmpo is still recovering from a calf injury and the question that everyone has in mind is if he'll be returning to action soon.
The Greek Freak has been sidelined nearly two weeks from now, on April's 10th. His team managed the Pacers without major problems, something that was a bit of a surprise if we pay attention the regular season series between the two franchises. With Damian Lillard's explosion in the first half, the Bucks took care of business 109-94, an important win for a team that struggled a lot in the last games of the regular season, losing the 2nd seed in the last minute.
That significative win could mean for Giannis more time to properly recover. The 2021 NBA Champion and Finals MVP suffered a left soleus (calf) muscle strain in Milwaukee's last game against Boston, on April's 9, since then he hasn't seen action. However, in the latest injury report, prior to game 1 of the series, Antetokounmpo was listed as doubtful, suggesting that he's expected to be returning soon.
Milwaukee's head coach Doc Rivers confirmed that his star player took part in the team’s practice on Saturday afternoon but his involvement did not extend beyond a walkthrough. Rivers has hinted that the Greek Freak could still make his appearance in their current playoff series against Indiana.
Dame was previously affected with a soleus muscle strain last season and was out for 15 games. If the timelines are similar, Antetokounmpo might be returning perhaps next Friday for game 3 of the series, the first matchup that will take place in Indianapolis.