Giannis Antetokounmpo misses 31st game of season as Bucks face Hawks
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has been ruled out of Saturday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks with a left ankle sprain, marking his 31st absence of the NBA season.
The franchise initially listed the two-time MVP as questionable due to the ongoing management of a previous right calf injury.
However, Milwaukee medical staff subsequently downgraded the 13-year veteran to unavailable prior to tip-off in Georgia.
New setback compounds frustrating campaign
Head coach Doc Rivers confirmed the latest ankle problem stemmed from Thursday’s 112-105 defeat by the Miami Heat.
This absence establishes an unwelcome personal milestone for the Greek forward.
He has now missed more fixtures in the current campaign than in any other single season of his professional career.
Cautious approach to consecutive fixtures
Doc Rivers’ side are currently navigating a challenging schedule featuring games on back-to-back days.
The team will immediately return to Wisconsin to host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.
Their talismanic leader has not participated in consecutive matchups since returning from his previous calf strain on 2 March.