Giannis knee injury: Will Giannis return for Bucks in Game 5 vs. Hawks?

Will Milwaukee Buck star Giannis Antetokounmpo be able to return for Game 5 against the Atlanta Hawks after he hyperextended his left knee on Tuesday?

The Eastern Conference Finals are officially cursed, especially when it comes to the stars of the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks. After Trae Young suffered a right foot injury in Game 3, Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered an ugly left knee injury in the third quarter of Game 4. After contesting a dunk by Clint Capela, Antetokounmpo’s left knee buckled upon landing on the court.

Moments after leaving the bench area for the locker room, Antetokounmpo was ruled out for the remainder of Game 4 on Tuesday with a left knee hyperextension. Bucks fans want to know one thing: Will Giannis be healthy for Game 5 on Thursday?

Will Giannis Antetokounmpo play in Game 5 for the Bucks?

The team traveled back to Milwaukee, where the Bucks star underwent further imaging on his knee, confirming the hyperextension. According to the team, he is listed as doubtful for Game 5 on Thursday.

Bucks record without Giannis

With Giannis out for Game 5, the question — as obvious as it seems — is whether or not the Bucks can win without him. Historically, it appears that they can.

Under Mike Budenholzer, the Bucks are 16-11 in games without Giannis in the lineup. Of course, high-pressure playoff situations are a lot different than most of those games Milwaukee played without him, but it’s an encouraging number for fans to lean on.

Although Antetokounmpo’s injury looked devastating, he did manage to walk to the bench area after retreating to the locker room. At the time, it was too early to tell if Antetokounmpo had suffered any ligament damage, but fortunately, ESPN’s Zach Lowe and Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed on Wednesday that he had not.

Antetokounmpo played just 21 minutes on Tuesday night, where he recorded 14 points (on 7-of-10 shooting), 8 rebounds and 3 assists in the 110-88 loss.

With the series now tied up at two games apiece, the winner may be determined by who is healthier between Young and Antetokounmpo. Keep your eyes and ears peeled in the days and hours leading up to a pivotal Game 5.

As always, we will keep you updated on Giannis’ knee injury once more details are provided.