David Chao, MD: Giannis' Season Likely Is Over
The parade of star NBA injuries continues. Giannis Antetokounmpo exited in the third quarter of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals with a knee injury. By video, he came down and hyperextended his left knee.
The good news is, his ACL is likely spared. The bad news is that he is unlikely to return the rest of this series or the playoffs, even if the Bucks advance. At a minimum, he has an articular cartilage/bone bruise and capsular sprain. He may even have a partial PCL and/or LCL injury. Even if he avoids surgery, his season and chance to play in the Finals is done.
Antetokounmpo did walk and return to the bench but was then ruled out for the game. This does not mean he has escaped injury. The perfunctory MRI is forthcoming. Let's hope for just bone bruise and capsular. This way, he will be ready and 100% for next season without surgery.