Giannis Out:: Antetokounmpo is sidelined due to left shoulder tendinopathy/pain, officially scratched before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 6th, 2025. He had been managing the pain and played heavy minutes (43) in the previous game.
Playoff Seeding Battle:: The Bucks (43-34) are narrowly holding onto the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, just ahead of the Detroit Pistons (43-35). The final seeding is critical.
Why This Matters:: The No. 5 seed likely faces the Indiana Pacers (Bucks are 3-1 against them this season), offering a potentially more favorable first-round matchup. The No. 6 seed would likely draw the New York Knicks (Bucks are 0-3 against them).
Other Injuries:: The Bucks are also without Bobby Portis Jr. (suspension), Jericho Sims (thumb surgery), and Damian Lillard (calf thrombosis). Pat Connaughton (ankle) is questionable.
Weakened Opponent:: The Pelicans game features a heavily depleted New Orleans team missing Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, and Trey Murphy III, among others.
As the NBA regular season winds down, the Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in a tight race with the Detroit Pistons for the 5th and 6th seeds in the East. While neither position grants home-court advantage in the first round, the potential opponent difference is stark. Facing the Pacers, against whom Milwaukee has found success (3-1 record), is preferable to matching up against the Knicks, who have swept the season series against the Bucks (0-3).
Adding complexity is the injury to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Diagnosed with left shoulder tendinopathy, he was ruled out for the pivotal game against the Pelicans. Bucks coach Doc Rivers indicated the decision was also influenced by the need for rest after Antetokounmpo played 43 minutes and logged a triple-double (36 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists) in an overtime win against Miami the previous night. Despite managing shoulder pain since late March, Giannis had averaged a triple-double over his last five games, highlighting his importance to the team.
The Bucks face the Pelicans in a rescheduled game (originally postponed due to snow in January). New Orleans is severely hampered by injuries, making the Bucks 8.5-point favorites despite their own absences. The final regular-season games, including two head-to-head matchups between the Bucks and Pistons on April 11 and 13, will be decisive in determining the final standings and first-round playoff matchups.
Why isn't Giannis Antetokounmpo playing?
He has been diagnosed with left shoulder tendinopathy (pain/inflammation) and was scratched from the lineup against the Pelicans on April 6th, 2025, also needing rest after heavy minutes.
What seed are the Bucks trying to secure?
They are aiming for the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference to potentially face the Indiana Pacers in the first round, rather than the No. 6 seed which likely means facing the New York Knicks.
Who else is out for the Bucks?
Damian Lillard (calf), Bobby Portis Jr. (suspension), and Jericho Sims (thumb) are out. Pat Connaughton (ankle) is questionable.
What time is the Bucks vs. Pelicans game?
The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. (Presumably Central Time, based on New Orleans location).
The Bucks' path in the first round of the playoffs hinges significantly on whether they finish 5th or 6th.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's shoulder injury adds significant pressure and uncertainty in the final week of the season.
Keep an eye on the Bucks vs. Pistons head-to-head games on April 11th and 13th, as they will likely decide the final seeding.
Despite injuries, the Bucks are favored against the depleted Pelicans.
How critical is securing the No. 5 seed for the Bucks' playoff aspirations? Do you think they can advance without Giannis at 100%? Let us know your thoughts!
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Milwaukee Bucks injury report: Is Giannis playing? Playoff picture, game time, odds (target="_blank")
Bucks scratch Giannis Antetokounmpo against the Pelicans | AP News (target="_blank")
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