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Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable to play in crucial showdown with the Boston Celtics

Will Giannis suit up in this all-important match-up?

Jonas Panerio

© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo's status for their clash against the league-leading Boston Celtics on Wednesday remains murky, as he has been listed as questionable to play due to hamstring soreness.

Giannis practiced

According to numerous reports, the “Greek Freak” fully participated in practice with the Bucks on Tuesday. However, Bucks coach Doc Rivers explained that their practice was light, so he couldn’t really ascertain how Giannis' hamstring responded to the physical activity.

It is still unclear if Giannis' sore hamstring will prevent him from facing the Celtics in their highly anticipated matchup. He has been integral to the Bucks' campaign this season and is an MVP candidate, averaging over 30 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists per game. Antetokounmpo missed Milwaukee’s win over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon because of a hamstring issue.

Bobby Portis scored 31 points in his place to help the Bucks defeat the visiting Suns 140-129.

Need Giannis to be in optimal health

With the NBA Playoffs waiting around the corner, Milwaukee's do-it-all forward needs to be at his best. Last year, Giannis missed two games in the first round, and the Bucks faltered before losing to the Miami Heat in five games.

Doc Rivers recently shared that he told Antetokounmpo that it’s crucial that he be healthy, even if it means missing some games.

“It's funny, we literally had a talk today. I said, 'Hey, Love the heroes. I just don't like heroes in March. I like them in June.' The only thing I said was I don't know your body. I just want you to be healthy, and you got to use your own — and with our medical team. And I don't get involved because I've learned players can read that as me pressuring them to play or not to play, and you just can't win with that,” Rivers said.

“I just wanted him to know that it's okay if he can't go. And so that's how I phrased it without being involved. And I think it's important to him to know that, but I think our medical team has done a great job with him.”

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO