Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Milwaukee Bucks star player Giannis Antetokounmpo will be sidelined for Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers as he continues to recover from a left soleus strain, according to an announcement from the team. This absence marks Antetokounmpo’s third consecutive missed game in the Bucks’ first-round series due to a calf injury sustained against the Boston Celtics earlier this month.
Coach Doc Rivers mentioned that although Antetokounmpo showed improvement with increased floor activities during practice, he has yet to participate in live action on the court. Despite his absence, the Bucks split the first two games of the series and are now set to face the Pacers in Indianapolis for Game 3.
In addition to Antetokounmpo’s injury, three-time All-Star Khris Middleton is listed as questionable after sustaining a right ankle sprain in Game 2. Middleton’s performance in the previous games has been inconsistent, showcasing a mix of strong plays and struggles due to his injury.
The Bucks managed to secure a victory in Game 1 against the Pacers with a standout performance from Damian Lillard, who dominated the first half of the game. However, the Pacers regrouped in Game 2, displaying a more cohesive effort and managing to close out the game with a strong fourth-quarter performance.
To overcome the challenges posed by Antetokounmpo’s absence, the Bucks will need to focus on improving their defensive stance as a team and look towards players like Bobby Portis to deliver a strong offensive contribution. Portis, known for stepping up in the absence of key players, has displayed solid numbers in the series so far but will need to increase his efficiency in shooting to make a more significant impact.
As the Bucks prepare to face the Pacers in Game 3, the team will need to make strategic adjustments and rely on their depth to compensate for the absence of Antetokounmpo. Middleton’s availability will also be a key factor in determining the Bucks’ success in the upcoming games against a resilient Pacers team.