Charles Barkley believes Bucks have ‘no chance’ of beating the Pacers without Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks might be on the verge of losing the series without the Greek Freak.

Charles Barkley believes Bucks have ‘no chance’ of beating the Pacers without Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Charles Barkley

The Indiana Pacers have tied the series at one apiece, as they took Game 2 in Milwaukee. The Bucks, playing without their star forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo managed to win Game 1, however, the squad didn’t seem to be the same the second time.

Damian Lillard has been the primary scorer for the Bucks so far in the series. Dame put up 35 points in Game 1, which was followed by a 34-point performance in Game 2. The guard from Portland had a rough time adjusting in Milwaukee but has done a great job on his part. However, as the series continues to move forward, NBA legend and Hall of Famer, Charles Barkley, believes that the Bucks have no chance without the Greek Freak. 

They beat them four out of five with Giannis. The only game they lost, Giannis scored 64. And without Giannis, I don't think they got any chance of beating these guys.
Charles Barkley said

The Greek Freak’s two highest-scoring games this season were against the Pacers. Giannis scored 118 points combined in those two games. On the defensive end of the floor, the Bucks were missing Antetokounmpo badly. Pascal Siakam stepped up big time in Game 2, leading the Pacers with 37 points and 11 rebounds. The Bucks have been weak in the paint, as they wait for Antetkounmpo’s return.

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Will Giannis Antetokounmpo return in Game 3?

The calf injury that Giannis suffered on April 9th has taken a toll on him. As per Shams Charania, the Greek Freak has not participated in any scrimmages or seems to be working out with the team. Looking at the circumstances, the Bucks will have to continue to play without Giannis for the rest of the series. And as the series continues in Indiana, things have just gotten tougher for the Bucks.

In the previous postseason, the Bucks played without Giannis versus the 8th-seeded Miami Heat who got past them in five games. A similar story might repeat this year, as the squad looks to step up on the road. Khris Middleton struggled from the field in Game 2, leaving Dame to be the only reliant scorer and shooter.

The Bucks will have to switch things up in Game 3 if they need a chance to make it to the second round. With the series tied at 1-1, the Bucks will look to win at least one game on the road. It will be interesting to see how things turn out for Milwaukee on Friday.

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