Bad news, Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo will be OUT of Game 5 due to the hyperextended knee he suffered in Game 4. The Bucks were up 2-1 heading into that game and the Atlanta Hawks were short Trae Young. However, the injury and Lou Williams’ great play prevented the Bucks from taking a 3-1 advantage.
Now with the series tied up 2-2, this Game 5 in Milwaukee could be pivotal for the rest of the conference finals.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is out (hyperextended left knee) for Game 5 tonight. pic.twitter.com/AukUvfi7SU
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 1, 2021
The Bucks will be without their 2x MVP and Khris Middleton will need to step up in a big way if Milwaukee wants a chance at the NBA Finals. If Trae Young plays tonight, that would be a big boost for the Hawks. A win for Young and company would send the series back to Atlanta with a 3-2 series lead.
Antetokounmpo has been great this series and has looked much better since the Brooklyn series. With Middleton putting in quite a bit of points from the wing, the Bucks have put on offensive displays all postseason. The Hawks’ defense was able to shut their opponents down which is rare to do against one of the NBA’s best offenses.
During Game 4 the Bucks shot under 40% from the field and were 8/39 from three. While they were able to rebound well, they were unable to put the ball in the basket. The Hawks also came away with 11 steals which caused disruptions all game long for Milwaukee.
The Hawks have the chance to steal another on the road. Will they be able to do it? The Bucks and Hawks face off at 8:30 pm tonight on TNT.
