MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo was unavailable Tuesday night as the Milwaukee Bucks fell 123-116 to the Cleveland Cavaliers, after suffering a knee injury in their previous game.
The two-time MVP was diagnosed with a hyperextended left knee and a bone bruise, though head coach Doc Rivers said imaging results showed no structural damage.
“The good news is it was a really good image,” Rivers said. “There’s no damage — nothing. Just good news. But I don’t know the next part.”
Antetokounmpo sustained the injury during Sunday’s win over the Indiana Pacers after landing awkwardly on a dunk attempt late in the third quarter. He did not return for the fourth period but initially downplayed the issue.
This marks the 32nd game missed by the 31-year-old this season — the most in his 13-year career. Milwaukee has struggled in his absence, posting an 11-21 record without him.
Currently sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference, the Bucks are 6½ games behind the final play-in spot held by the Charlotte Hornets, putting their streak of nine straight playoff appearances in jeopardy.
Rivers acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Antetokounmpo’s return, especially as the team weighs the risks of further injury against its fading postseason hopes.
