Giannis ruled out for Warriors-Bucks game with knee issue

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Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo won't play Tuesday against the Warriors due to knee soreness.

The Bucks ruled out the two-time reigning NBA MVP shortly before the 7 p.m. PT tipoff at Chase Center.

Antetokounmpo was originally listed as probable entering the matchup, but Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said the forward felt some discomfort in pregame warmups, per The Athletic's Eric Nehm. 

The reeling Warriors catch a break by avoiding one of the game's premier players and perennial MVP candidates. Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game this season with a 56.5 field goal percentage and his trademark freakish athleticism.

Golden State has lost three straight and entered Tuesday's action clinging to the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, the last available play-in berth. The Warriors were just a half-game ahead of the No. 11 seed New Orleans Pelicans. 

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The national TV audience won't get to watch Giannis and Steph Curry go head to head, nor will they see how James Wiseman can fare in some matchups against The Greek Freak. In the Bucks' 138-99 Christmas Day blowout of the Warriors, Antetokounmpo finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Antetokounmpo also missed Saturday's contest against the Kings due to the issue and has now missed four of the team's nine games since March 22. 

Even without Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have plenty of talent, including Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday. Wiseman still figures to have his hands full against veteran center Brook Lopez.

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