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Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out for Game 6 of Eastern Conference Finals 
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out for Game 6 of Eastern Conference Finals 

By Erin Walsh  |  Last updated 7/3/21

The Milwaukee Bucks will attempt to clinch their first berth in the NBA Finals since 1974 on Saturday night. However, they'll have to do so without their best player.

The Bucks announced Saturday afternoon that Giannis Antetokounmpo has been ruled out for Game 6 against the Atlanta Hawks with a hyperextended left knee. He had previously been listed as doubtful.

Antetokounmpo hyperextended his left knee during a collision in Milwaukee's Game 4 loss on June 29. He missed the Bucks' Game 5 win on Thursday because of the injury. 

The 26-year-old was having the best postseason of his career before suffering the injury, averaging a postseason high 28.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 55.1% from the field. 

According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Antetokounmpo could return to the Eastern Conference Finals if the Hawks manage to force a Game 7. 

If the Bucks close out the series in Game 6, it could give Antetokounmpo more time to rest with the NBA yet to release a schedule for the NBA Finals. 

The Phoenix Suns, who defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference Finals, await the winner of the ECF.

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