Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Expected Back for Game 2

The Milwaukee Bucks appear to have avoided catastrophe. Speaking with the media on Monday, head coach Mike Budenholzer revealed Giannis Antetokounmpo's MRI on his injured back came back clean, allowing for the possibility the two-time MVP could be back in action as soon as Wednesday's game against the Heat.

Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer tells reporters that the MRI Giannis Antetokounmpo got last night came back “clean” as well.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) April 17, 2023

Antetokounmpo exited after only six minutes of the Bucks' 130-117 loss to the Heat in Game 1 of their opening-round series on Saturday. He landed hard on his back after a first-quarter drive to the basket sent him crashing into Heat center Kevin Love.

Giannis with a scary fall 😳

Fortunately, he's ok 🙏 pic.twitter.com/QaShNkKoUi
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 16, 2023

Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to an NBA-best 58-24 record this season, compiling 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game with a league-high 38.8% usage rate. His quick return should allow the Bucks to bounce back from a disappointing Game 1 and potentially seize back control of the series. The Heat are expected to be without Tyler Herro for at least four weeks.

The Bucks will need Antetokounmpo in top form if they're going to make a long postseason run. When they won the title following the 2020-21 season, he posted an eye-popping 30.2 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game over 21 playoff games. He may have to match that production if the Bucks are going to have a chance at a second title.