Bucks News: Giannis Antetokunmpo Shockingly Ruled Out of Critical NBA Cup Heat Match

Ricardo Klein | 2 Hours Ago

Nov 22, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts in the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images / Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Miami Heat.

Antetokounmpo was downgraded to questionable a while ago, and now he has officially been ruled out.

ESPN's Shams Charania shared the news via Twitter/X.

Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is listed out vs. Heat tonight.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 26, 2024

Antetokounmpo is ruled out due to a calf strain. He has been a regular on the injury report due to a lingering knee issue, but the calf strain is new.

This will be Antetokounmpo's second missed game of the season and his first time missing an NBA Cup contest.

The Bucks recently started to get in a groove and are winners of four in a row and six of their last seven. They went from 2-8 through their first 10 games but now sit at 8-9, good enough for sixth in the Eastern Conference.

The Bucks are finding their footing, and it's thanks in large part to their superstar and two-time MVP.

The MVP candidate has been sensational, especially in the last 10 contest appearances, as he averaged 33.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 2.0 blocks in 34.8 minutes per game.

Antetokounmpo recently won Eastern Conference Player of the Year. He averaged 32.5 points per game, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists, leading his team to a 4-0 record in the week.

Tuesday's match will be challenging as they'll take on the team they struggled with over the years in the playoffs, the Heat. The Heat will be fully healthy on their side. Miami is 3-2 in their last five games and is searching for their second consecutive win.

The Bucks have won four of their last five and will be without Tyler Smith and fellow All-Star Khris Middleton.

Middleton has not played this season as he is rehabbing from two ankle surgeries this past offseason. However, the good news is that they could be back sometime after Thanksgiving.

ESPN's Shams Charania said Middleton has taken the next step in his return-to-play process by completing a five-on-five scrimmage with the team on Monday.

The Bucks will need the others to step up like their fellow All-Star guard, Damian Lillard. Lillard will see some extra usage without Antetokounmpo on the court.

In place of Antetokounmpo, the Bucks will go small with Lillard, AJ Green, Andre Jackson Jr., Taurean Prince, and Brook Lopez.

Milwaukee will look to get to .500 for the first time since their 1-1 start.

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