Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing for the Bucks on Saturday vs. the Heat?

The Milwaukee Bucks will hit the road to take on the Miami Heat Saturday evening in Game 3, with the series tied 1-1 after the first two contests in Milwaukee. Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a lower back contusion in the first game and was unable to suit up for Game 2. The Bucks were able to win without him, but they’ll need him to close out this series quickly and get ready for the real tests that await. Here’s the latest on his status ahead of Game 3.

Giannis Antetokounmpo injury updates

Update: Antetokounmpo has been ruled out for Saturday’s Game 3 in Miami. The Bucks likely have an additional rest day due to their win in Game 2. Antetokounmpo may have been more inclined to play at less than 100% in a 2-0 hole going on the road, but a 1-1 split and a convincing win means the Bucks probably can afford to let him rest up more. With him out, Holiday, Middleton and Portis will be bigger factors in this Milwaukee offense.

Antetokounmpo has been listed as questionable for this game. He did not practice with the team but did get some individual drills in Friday. The Greek Freak was initially pegged as doubtful for Game 2 and got upgraded to questionable before being ruled out. The Bucks have played games with the injury report this season, so this designation really only means it’ll come down to Antetokounmpo’s pain tolerance.

If Antetokounmpo cannot go, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton remain the primary offensive options for Milwaukee. Bobby Portis would also see an uptick in minutes if Antetokounmpo remains sidelined.