Giannis injury update: Bucks reveal decision for Game 1

Milwaukee Bucks fans will love the latest update regarding star Giannis’ Antetokounmpo’s status for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

The Milwaukee Bucks‘ chances of making the NBA Finals appeared to have taken a hit after star Giannis Antetokounmpo went down in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals with a hyperextended left knee. While they did drop that game, the Bucks took their next two contests to reach the NBA Finals. But, that has everyone wondering if Antetokounmmpo will see the court for the start of their best-of-seven series against the Phoenix Suns.

That answer is a resounding yes.

Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo will play in Game 1

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Antetokounmpo will not only play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday night, but he will be in the starting lineup. Prior to this announcement, Antetokoumpo was listed as questionable for Game 1.

Antetokounmpo’s injury occurred when he was contesting a dunk by Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela in the second half of Game 4. The day after the injury, imaging revealed that Antetokounmpo did not suffer structural damage to his left knee. In fact, there was a belief that the Bucks star “would be given the green light” to play in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals if it were to reach that point.

Through 15 games this NBA Playoffs, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists while shooting 55.1-percent from the field.

Antetokounmpo made the Finals for the first-time his career, which happened to be the team’s first appearance in the championship game since 1974, where they lost in seven games to the Boston Celtics. Based off the “green light” report, it should not have been a surprise to see Antetokounmpo be cleared for Game 1.

The team stepped up in Antetokounmpo’s absence, and now he will be back on the court to face off against the Suns for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.