Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a right wrist injury during Thursday’s game against the Bulls, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
The two-time MVP chased down Coby White on a fast break and blocked his shot, but his momentum caused him to fall into the stanchion and he immediately started holding his wrist. He checked out of the game shortly thereafter to get evaluated and was ruled out with a right wright sprain, per the Bucks.
It’s unclear how severe Antetokounmpo’s injury is at this time, but it certainly seems like he could be yet another All-Star who might need a replacement for this weekend’s exhibition contest. The forward received the most votes among Eastern Conference players and was set to captain the new pick-up style draft format, which will take place shortly before the game.
Obviously, of bigger concern is his status for the remainder of the 2022-23 season. Antetokounmpo is as physical of a player as there is in the NBA, and he has played through injuries in the past. But he is right-handed, so the injury will affect his dominant shooting hand.
On a positive note, the Bucks won’t play again until Feb. 24, so Antetokounmpo will have eight days to rest the wrist sprain and hopefully be ready to go after the break. Milwaukee is 40-17, the No. 2 seed in the East, trailing Boston by one game and leading Philadelphia by two.
The 2021 Finals MVP is nearly averaging a point per minute, recording career highs in points (32.5) and rebounds (12.3) to go along with 5.5 assists in 33.6 minutes per contest through 46 games.
