NBA Playoffs: Bucks star Giannis out for Game 1 of first round vs. Pacers

At 5:30 yesterday evening, the Bucks’ initial injury report ahead of tonight’s Game 1 came out, with Giannis Antetokounmpo listed as doubtful with his left soleus strain. Naturally, that meant it was more likely he’d sit out rather than play, and in Doc Rivers’ pregame press conference with the media, he confirmed that Giannis is not ready to go:

Some further questions informed us of a bit more. First of all, Rivers didn’t know what kind of on-court work he did today, which doesn’t strike me as abnormal. Coaches sometimes show up to the arena after players do. Furthermore, Doc says he doesn’t have clarity on when Giannis will be back, but says he is shooting and running again. He said that Giannis “looks good”, but just not able to participate.

Before that, Khris Middleton was on the floor going through his typical warmup during his pregame time which he usually shares with Giannis, so that had some expecting that Giannis would indeed be out:

So as expected, it will be up to Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton to carry the team for at least tonight, especially on the offensive end. Bobby Portis seems likely to take Giannis’ spot among the starting five.