Superstar injuries could cost two NBA powerhouses in the playoffs

April 19, 2023
It’s way too early to predict where any series is heading in the always dramatic NBA Playoffs.
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Superstar injuries could cost two NBA powerhouses in the playoffs
SOURCE: STACY REVERE/GETTY IMAGES

The GIST: It’s way too early to predict where anyseries is heading in the always dramatic NBA Playoffs. Superstar injuries are threatening two powerhouses’ chances, while an on-court tussle left two ballers seeking medical attention. Can everyone calm down, please?

Giannis Antetokounmpo: Say it ain’t Antetokounmp-so. The Eastern Conference No. 1 Milwaukee Bucks held their breath after their All-Star took a hard fall in Game 1, exiting early during their loss to the No. 8 Miami Heat. Tests on his back came back clean, but Antetokounmpo is doubtful for tonight’s 9 p.m. ET Game 2.

Ja Morant: The Western Conference (WC) No. 2 Memphis Grizzlies star landed awkwardly on his right hand during their Game 1 loss to the No. 7 LA Lakers, aggravating an injury he suffered in the final week of the regular season.

  • Morant is reportedly a game-time decision for Game 2, tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET, and the Grizz will certainly need him against a resurgent LeBron James and Co.

Hollywood-level drama in Cali: The battle between the WC No. 3 Sacramento Kings and No. 6 Golden State Warriors has been the first-round series to watch. The Kings have the defending champs’ Big Three down 2-0 for the first time, but that’s not the main storyline in this one.

  • The Warriors Draymond Green was ejected from Game 2 after a scuffle with the Kings’ Domantas Sabonis, in which both feisty players got way too physical. Luckily there’s some time for tempers to cool before Game 3 on the Warriors’ home court tomorrow at 10 p.m. ET — the actual basketball has been spicy enough.