The Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers are uncertain about the return of their star players to the court.
Giannis and Leonard Absences Not Affecting Bucks and Clippers in Playoffs Yet…
Despite this uncertainty, both teams are holding up well in their respective first-round playoff series.
Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo has been sidelined since April 9 due to a left calf strain, while Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers has been out all month with inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee.
Their availability for Tuesday’s games, where the Bucks aim to lead 2-0 against the Indiana Pacers and the Clippers aim to maintain home-court advantage against the Dallas Mavericks, remains unclear.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers mentioned that Antetokounmpo had a good workout on Sunday after being on the court for four consecutive days but took a rest day on Monday. However, an injury report from the NBA on Monday night listed Antetokounmpo as doubtful for Game 2.
Leonard participated in a non-contact practice with the Clippers on Monday and is listed as questionable for Game 2.
While the Bucks and Clippers cope without their top players, the Phoenix Suns have their star trio—Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal—healthy.
Yet, the Suns face a tough challenge to avoid falling behind 2-0 in their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who won Game 1 convincingly.
Booker compared their Game 1 loss to previous setbacks and stressed the importance of resilience and perspective in a playoff series.
In the Suns vs. Timberwolves matchup, the Timberwolves showcased their stellar defense in Game 1, limiting the impact of Booker and Beal. Anthony Edwards shone with a remarkable performance, scoring 33 points.
For the Timberwolves, their reserves, particularly Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, played a significant role, outscoring the Suns bench by a considerable margin.
Injuries are a concern for both teams, with the Suns’ Grayson Allen nursing a sprained ankle and the Timberwolves’ Kyle Anderson dealing with a hip pointer.
In the Pacers vs. Bucks series, Milwaukee secured a victory in Game 1 with Damian Lillard leading the charge. The Pacers, however, face pressure to improve their performance after a disappointing showing.
In the Mavericks vs. Clippers matchup, the Clippers dominated Game 1, led by James Harden and Ivica Zubac. The Mavericks struggled offensively, with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving carrying the bulk of the scoring load.
As the playoffs progress, the pressure mounts on players and coaches to adapt and perform, especially in the absence of key personnel.”
