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Will nine-time All-Star Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo be available to play against the Detroit Pistons, in a game that could have massive playoff implications?
The two-time league MVP was added to Milwaukee's injury report on Friday, a troubling sign given that he was seen exiting the Bucks' eventual blowout win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday during the third quarter.
Bucks injury report vs. Detroit on Friday:
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) April 11, 2025
Out:
Damian Lillard (Right Calf Deep Vein Thrombosis)
Jericho Sims (Right Thumb UCL Sprain)
Doubtful:
Tyler Smith (Right Ankle Sprain)
Probable:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Left Shoulder Tendinopathy)
Antetokounmpo was initially considered probable to play. All-Star Bucks point guard Damian Lillard (right calf blood clot) and reserve big man Jericho Sims (right thumb UCL sprain), who haven't played since March, remain out.
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Along with All-Defensive center Brook Lopez, forward Kyle Kuzma, and guard Gary Trent Jr., Antetokounmpo was sent to the Bucks' home locker room to gear up for the Pistons matchup by head coach Doc Rivers, in an unorthodox move.
Doc Rivers confirmed that all of the players leaving the bench early was a function of trying to get to Detroit quicker.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) April 11, 2025
He joked that when we leave the interview room and head to the locker room there will be no one there for us to interview.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Antetokounmpo expressed his disappointment about the early dismissal from the eventual 136-111 Bucks victory, per Eric Nehm of The Athletic.
"My first instinct is I want to finish the game, but then as a leader, try to be smart. I know that we have two playoff (type) games in front of us, so I just gotta make a smart decision and put myself in a situation to help my team compete," Antetokounmpo said. "It's weird. It's weird. I've never done it before."
Now, per Nehm, head coach Doc Rivers has confirmed that Antetokounmpo will play, after all.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers tells reporters that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be available tonight in Detroit. https://t.co/B5e1WZCVle
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) April 11, 2025
The 46-34 Bucks are two games ahead of the 44-36 Pistons, with two games to play. Should Milwaukee claim victory in either clash, the team will secure the Eastern Conference's No. 5 seed and lock the Pistons into the No. 6 seed.
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Antetokounmpo could represent the difference between failure and victory, especially without the creation or clutch scoring abilities of Lillard.
Through 66 healthy games so far this season, the 30-year-old is posting stellar averages of 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game.
The action starts at 6 p.m. CT on Detroit's home turf, Little Caesars Arena.
More Milwaukee Bucks:
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Damian Lillard Injury Will Have Massive Impact on Bucks' Championship Hopes
Bucks Owner, Former Star Junior Bridgeman Passes Away at 71
Most Improved Teams from 2025 NBA Trade Deadline
For more Milwaukee Bucks and general NBA news and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports
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Alex Kirschenbaum is a Newsweek reporter covering sports and entertainment content based in Los Angeles. He has in-depth knowledge of all ... Read more