Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images. Pictured: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on
Giannis Antetokounmpo has not played for the Milwaukee Bucks since Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals after suffering what looked like a nasty knee injury against the Atlanta Hawks.
Giannis reportedly avoided any structural damage to his injured left knee, but the Bucks star still has yet to see any action since June 29, and that absence could stretch even longer.
Antetokounmpo, who was originally listed as doubtful for tonight’s Game 1 of the NBA Finals, has been updated to questionable for the series opener against the Phoenix Suns.
Reporting with @Malika_Andrews: Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo has continued around-the-clock treatment on his left knee with hopes of becoming cleared to play Game 1 of the Finals vs. Phoenix tonight. There’s expected to be a game-time decision on his availability.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2021
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski described him as a true gametime decision.
From a Bucks vs. Suns betting standpoint, it’s not only important whether or not Giannis will play at all, but if he does suit up, just how effective will he be?
Prior to Antetokounmpo’s upgrade to questionable, the Bucks sat as 6-point road underdogs against the Suns.
However, that line has ticked down to Milwaukee +5.5 (click here for live NBA Finals odds) in reaction to Giannis’ updated injury status.
This does not mean that he’s “worth just a half-point to the spread,” but that:
- Oddsmakers and the betting market were already pricing this into Bucks vs. Suns Game 1 odds.
- As I mentioned above, even if he does see action we have no idea how long he’ll play or how effective he’ll be.
At the time of writing, 57% of the bets and a heavy 82% of the money wagered on Bucks vs. Suns Game 1 has come in on Phoenix, but don’t be surprised to see late Milwaukee action show up as bettors react to the prospects of Giannis playing tonight.
While NBA Finals Game 1 odds are still available for betting, some sportsbooks, like FanDuel, have taken series prices and props off the board until there’s more clarity regarding Giannis’ injury situation.
