Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports Can’t have expectations dashed if you had no expectations in the first place While the Milwaukee Bucks didn’t do much to give the impression that Giannis Antetokounmpo was ripe for returning to the court, hope springs ever eternal. Until this morning, that is: Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as out for today’s game.— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 26, 2024 As of the latest 10:30 AM (CT) injury report submitted by the Bucks, Giannis is officially out with that left calf soleus strain (as is Chris Livingston with illness — there goes Doc’s ace in the hole), and Khris Middleton remains questionable this morning (right ankle). As a reminder, questionable is less severe than doubtful (Giannis’s status yesterday evening), but more severe than probable. Even if Antetokounmpo could physically go tonight if absolutely necessary, it may make some sense to try and continue to buy him a few more days of rest (assuming he is anywhere near close to being physically able to perform). With the series tied 1-1, any result tonight wouldn’t dramatically shift the level of pressure on the Bucks; that will actually come down to the results of the next two games in Indianapolis. And if Khris Middleton is eventually listed as out, a very steep hill to climb becomes something more like a mountain for the Bucks in tonight’s game three tilt. There are some tactical changes Doc Rivers and his staff could throw at the Pacers to change their fortunes a bit, but you can only take so many blows to the top end of your top-heavy roster before it becomes insurmountable. We’ll continue to keep an eye on the injury reports as they publish on an hourly basis to provide an update on Middleton when one is available. Go Bucks! Source: https://www.brewhoop.com/2024/4/26/2414 ... a-playoffs