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Giannis Antetokounmpo Out for Bucks vs. Kawhi Leonard, Clippers with Achilles Injury

Erin Walsh

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss Monday's game against Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers with left Achilles tendinitis, per Stephen Watson of Bally Sports.

According to Watson, Antetokounmpo "tried to go through pregame warmups but was unable to finish. The injury has been bothering him for the last 2-3 games, per Doc Rivers."

Antetokounmpo has mostly been healthy this season. He's missed only three games in total.

The Bucks got out to a slow start this season as Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard struggled to develop their chemistry. But as the season has progressed, the duo looks like one of the best in the NBA.

Antetokounmpo has put together an impressive individual season to date, averaging 30.8 points, 11.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting a career-high 61.9 percent from the floor and 30.1 percent from deep.

When Antetokounmpo misses time, Jae Crowder, Danilo Gallinari and Bobby Portis are the next men up. However, it's hard for any player on the roster to replicate the success and production he has had.

Lillard is relied upon more heavily to shoulder the scoring load in the two-time MVP's absence, though players like Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton are also called upon to step up.

The Bucks sit second in the Eastern Conference with an 40-21 record, 8.5 games back of the first-place Boston Celtics. To make a late run at the No. 1 seed, they'll need Antetokounmpo healthy.

   

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