The Milwaukee Bucks entered the NBA playoffs as the favorites to win the NBA Finals, but that is no longer the case after star Giannis Antetokounmpo injured his lower back on Sunday in Game 1 against the Miami Heat.
Antetokounmpo remained in the game initially after the injury, but he was eventually ruled out for the game after playing just 11 minutes. The Bucks, as a result, were upset by the Heat at home in Game 1.
Milwaukee entered the postseason as the favorite in the NBA title odds, but the team has slipped behind the Boston Celtics, who beat the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of their first-round series on Saturday.
Milwaukee’s odds have tumbled from +275 to +375 following the injury to Antetokounmpo.
Bucks’ odds to win the NBA Finals
Mike Budenholzer gives positive update on Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks fans shouldn’t panic just yet, as Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said X-rays on Antetokounmpo’s injury came back “clear.”
Still, it’s concerning that the Bucks lost Game 1 at home against a Miami team that has made the Eastern Conference Finals in two of the last three seasons and knocked the Bucks out of the playoffs in the 2019-20 season.
This season, Milwaukee went 11-8 in the 19 games that Antetokounmpo missed. Miami has been a tough team for Giannis this season, as he’s been injured in two games against the Heat and only played one full game against the team.
Miami didn’t escape Game 1 without an injury of its own, as guard Tyler Herro broke his hand and is expected to miss significant time.
The Bucks are certainly hoping that Giannis will be good to go in Game 2 of this series on Wednesday night. If he is, there could be some sneaky value on the Bucks to win the series and the Eastern Conference, but for now bettors should wait and see for his status.
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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.