The Milwaukee Bucks are preparing to be without Giannis Antetokounmpo when they start their first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers this weekend, according to a new report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. According to Wojnarowski's reporting, the team is preparing to get Antetokounmpo back later in the series if he's healthy enough to play.
ESPN Sources: The Milwaukee Bucks are preparing to be without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for the start of their opening round series against the Indiana Pacers, but are hopeful treatment on his left calf strain will allow him to return sometime later in the series. pic.twitter.com/8p0wCiRSRl
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 16, 2024
Antetokounmpo suffered a calf injury against the Boston Celtics on April 9 and sat out the final three games of the regular season for the Bucks. Milwaukee moved from third on the NBA title odds board at +800 to fourth at +1100 in the immediate aftermath of Antetokounmpo's injury. The Bucks are +1500 to win the championship as of Tuesday afternoon.
The Bucks series price has also seen a steep decline in the wake of the Antetokounmpo injury update. The Bucks opened at -350 to win their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers when the regular season wrapped up. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Bucks are -125 to win the series, with the Pacers listed as a 1-point favorite on the road in Game 1.
