6:09 PM ET
Eric WoodyardESPN
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is non-active for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Tuesday versus the Miami Heat because of a sprained right ankle.
Antetokounmpo clearly attempted to get himself ready for Game 5. He was on the court about two hours before game time, getting some shots up, then did more strength and flexibility work with a member of the Bucks personnel.
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer watched the on-court session closely, before the team made the decision.
” Its just always good to see it with your eyes,” Budenholzer stated.
Antetokounmpo reinjured the ankle in the first half of Game 4, which Milwaukee rallied to win in overtime. He also got involved in a light, stationary practice Monday.
Antetokounmpos warm-up Tuesday was mainly fixed and brief without much lateral movement, which is generally a part of his normal regimen. The ruling league MVP had been officially noted as questionable, and Budenholzer said previously Tuesday that he would be a game-time decision.
Milwaukee trails the best-of-seven series 3-1, and All-Star Khris Middleton will be expected to play heavy minutes after his 36-point performance Sunday. Budenholzer stated the rest of the team also will be counted on to select up the slack without Antetokounmpo.
” We need Brook (Lopez) and Eric Bledsoe and everybody else to step up and simply play basketball,” Budenholzer stated ahead of Game 5. “Where theres opportunities to drive, attack, shoot, play, share it with each other, contend with each other, play together. I think its gon na take a bit of everybody.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
” We need Brook (Lopez) and Eric Bledsoe and everyone else to step up and simply play basketball,” Budenholzer said ahead of Game 5. “Where theres opportunities to drive, attack, shoot, play, share it with each other, contend with each other, play together. I believe its gon na take a little bit of everyone.”
