Bucks Defend Handling of Giannis Antetokounmpo's Injury

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A day after the National Basketball Players Association criticized the Milwaukee Bucks for their handling of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and his injury status, coach Doc Rivers defended the organization's decision to not play the injured player. Rivers said the team is focused on getting Antetokounmpo healthy, despite the Bucks' struggles this season and the NBPA's claims that the team is tanking.

Why it matters

The Bucks' handling of Antetokounmpo's injuries has become a point of contention, with the players' union accusing the team of tanking by not playing their star player when he is healthy. This raises questions about the league's policies around player participation and how teams balance the long-term health of their players with the short-term goals of the season.

The details

Antetokounmpo has missed a career-high 36 games this season due to various injuries, including a calf strain and a left ankle sprain. The Bucks have argued that it's best for Antetokounmpo's future and the organization that he cut short the season, despite the team's struggles. Coach Doc Rivers defended the team's decision, saying they are focused on getting Antetokounmpo healthy.

• Antetokounmpo missed 15 games due to a calf strain before returning on March 2.
• He then sat out another two games when the team went 2-4 with him and 0-2 without him.
• Antetokounmpo exited during the third quarter after landing awkwardly on a dunk during a home victory over the Indiana Pacers on March 15.
• He missed a home loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 17 and road games against the Utah Jazz on Thursday (loss), against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday (win) and the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday (loss).

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.