Report: 'Real doubt' Giannis Antetokounpo plays in Game 1 of Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks series

The Pacers and Bucks begin a series on Sunday

Jan 1, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is defended by Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23). / Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

According to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic, there is 'real doubt' that Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo plays in Game 1 of the first round series between the Bucks and Indiana Pacers.

According to Charania, while Antetokounmpo is rehabbing every day, he may not be able to play come Sunday when the series begins. Antetokounmpo fell to the court with an injury on April 9 as his team took down the Boston Celtics, and the Bucks shared that the former MVP has a calf strain the next day.

"Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is rehabbing daily but there's some real doubt for his status to begin series vs. Pacers on Sunday, sources say. Although Giannis has rare recovery ability, he's very much up in the air for Game 1," Charania shared, in full. The first game of the series is scheduled for April 21.

Update on an All-NBA star ahead of playoffs:

Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is rehabbing daily but there's some real doubt for his status to begin series vs. Pacers on Sunday, sources say. Although Giannis has rare recovery ability, he's very much up in the air for Game 1.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 15, 2024

Antetokounmpo averaged 42.2 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game against Indiana this season. He was a tough cover for the blue and gold, though he is against any team. Should he be absent for any portion of the series, it would be significant for Indiana.

The Pacers and Bucks met five times in the regular season, with Indiana going 4-1. Their series marks the first for the blue and gold in their new era, which is led by star guard Tyrese Haliburton. "It'll be fun. It's a really good team, we've obviously had some battles this year," Haliburton said of the matchup on Sunday.

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