Thanasis Antetokounmpo is dealing with discomfort in his left thigh but is expected to play when Greece takes on New Zealand in a crucial game in the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Wednesday (Philippine time) in Manila, Philippines.
According to Harris Stavrou of Sport24, Antetokounmpo underwent an MRI after feeling discomfort in his left abductor during Greece's game against Team USA on Monday night.
No plans to sit out
The MRI showed that Thanasis has a slight stretch of the adductor muscle on his left thigh. Stavrou reported that Antetokounmpo is undergoing treatment as he was determined to play in the team’s do-or-die game against New Zealand.
Greece and New Zealand both sport a 1-1 win-loss record in Group C. Team USA leads Group C with a 2-0 record. Only the top two teams in each of the eight groups will advance to the second of the tournament. The Greek national team cannot afford to lose another body as they are already missing the services of Giannis Antetolounmpo.
A vital piece for Greece
Greek coach Dimitris Itoudis is utilizing Thanasis heaving in the team’s current World Cup campaign. Thanasis played for 18 minutes and finished with nine points, five rebounds, three steals, one block, and an assist when Greece defeated Jordan 92-71.
The thigh issues seemed to have not affected the energetic forward as he was still able to play for 22 minutes when Greece lost to the Americans last Monday night, 109-81.
Although he logged heavy minutes in that loss, Thanasis could only produce two points, four rebounds, and one assist.
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