The Milwaukee Bucks are down 2-1 in their first-round matchup against the Miami Heat. However, a massive update regarding star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo could go a long way in swinging this series in their favor.
Antetokounmpo has missed each of the series’ last two games after suffering a back injury. Game 4 is undoubtedly a crucial game for the Bucks, and it appears he will be suiting up for the matchup.
According to TNT’s Chris Haynes, Antetokounmpo has officially been cleared to return for Monday’s Game 4 matchup against the Heat.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) has officially been cleared to return tonight against Miami Heat, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 24, 2023
Their social media team later confirmed he was in the starting lineup for the Bucks.
Giannis returns to the starting lineup. pic.twitter.com/cWyBRDgCAS
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 24, 2023
It is huge news, and the NBA world is hugely excited to see him back on the floor.
we’re so back https://t.co/oUv1ui70a6 pic.twitter.com/b6dtLfHr3i
— arynn 🦌 (@MilwaukeeMamba) April 24, 2023
JRUE AND GIANNIS TONIGHT pic.twitter.com/r2oixXgAcK
— 𝙅𝙖𝙮𝙓𝙘𝙚 🗡️ (@Jayxce) April 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/SportsGrid/status/1650621892523593729
Bucks in 6
— Beyond The Data (@BeyondTheData) April 24, 2023
It’s over for you, Heat
— Bri Marie D (@BriMarieD) April 24, 2023
Antetokounmpo’s impact on the Bucks’ chances in both this game and this series certainly can not be understated. He averaged 31.1 points in the regular season this year, with 11.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists.
This series has gotten much closer regarding the odds of who will win the series. Milwaukee opened as -1250 favorites on FanDuel Sportsbook to win the series. They now sit as just -330 favorites to advance to the second round.
Bucks-Heat series update from @FDSportsbook with Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) cleared to return in Game 4 tonight: pic.twitter.com/pzUUHgIhxY
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 24, 2023
While the Heat deserves plenty of credit for making this series competitive, Antetokounmpo’s absence has also clearly been a huge factor early on.
Bucks fans undoubtedly hope that his return on Monday night will be exactly what they need to potentially even this series up and eventually advance to the second round.
