Giannis Antetokunmpo was shockingly left out of the crucial NBA Cup Heat match

Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is out for Tuesday’s game against the Miami Heat.

Antetokounmpo was downgraded to questionable a while ago and has now been officially ruled out.

ESPN’s Shams Charania shared the news via Twitter/X.

Antetokounmpo is out with a calf strain. He is regularly on the injury report due to an ongoing knee problem, but the calf strain is new.

This is Antetokounmpo’s second missed game of the season and the first time he has missed an NBA Cup contest.

The Bucks have been on a roll recently, winning four straight games and six of their last seven games. They had a 2-8 record in their first 10 games, but are now 8-9, good enough for sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

The Bucks are finding their footing, and that’s thanks in large part to their superstar and two-time MVP.

The MVP candidate has been particularly sensational in his last 10 competitive appearances, averaging 33.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 2.0 blocks in 34.8 minutes per game.

Antetokounmpo was recently named the Eastern Conference Player of the Year. He averaged 32.5 points per game, 10.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists while leading his team to a 4-0 record this week.

Tuesday’s game will be a challenge as they face the team they have struggled with in the playoffs over the years: the Heat. The heat will be completely healthy on their side. Miami is 3-2 in its last five games and is looking for its second straight win.

The Bucks have won four of their last five and will be without Tyler Smith and fellow All-Star Khris Middleton.

Middleton has not played this season as he recovers from two ankle surgeries last offseason. However, the good news is that they could be back sometime after Thanksgiving.

ESPN’s Shams Charania said Middleton took the next step in his return process by completing a five-on-five matchup with the team on Monday.

The Bucks will need the others to step up like fellow All-Star guard Damian Lillard. Lillard will see some additional action without Antetokounmpo on the court.

Instead of Antetokounmpo, the Bucks will go small with Lillard, AJ Green, Andre Jackson Jr., Taurean Prince and Brook Lopez.

Milwaukee will look to reach .500 for the first time since a 1-1 start.

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