Wrist issue won't keep Antetokounmpo out of Bucks' lineup

MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo was in the Milwaukee Bucks’ starting lineup Friday night, just four days after travelling to New York to have his injured right wrist examined.

Antetokounmpo sprained the wrist Feb. 16 as the Bucks won 120-100 at Chicago in their last game before the All-Star break. He played only 20 seconds in Sunday’s All-Star Game while having the wrist wrapped.

But the two-time MVP didn’t have the wrist bandaged as he worked out Friday before the Bucks’ game with the Miami Heat. Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer described Antetokounmpo’s rapid progress over the last week as “unbelievable.”

“He’s certainly not going to be 100%,” Budenholzer said during his pregame availability, when Antetokounmpo’s status was still being termed a game-time decision. “It’s going to take some time. But can he play and be effective and help us? We feel like he’s close. If he goes tonight, then that’s the decision.”

Antetokounmpo ranks third in the NBA in scoring (31.8) and second in rebounding (12.2).

Milwaukee also has Bobby Portis returning from a month-long absence and Jae Crowder making his 2022-23 debut as the Bucks chase their 13th consecutive victory.

Portis, who has been dealing with a sprained medial collateral ligament, will be playing for the first time since Jan. 23.

The Bucks acquired Crowder at the trade deadline from the Brooklyn Nets, who had gotten him from Phoenix as part of the trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Suns. Crowder hadn’t been playing for Phoenix all season as the Suns attempted to work out a trade.

Cody Zeller and Kevin Love are available for Miami. The Heat signed both veterans on Monday.

The Bucks won’t have Pat Connaughton (sore left calf) or Wesley Matthews (strained right calf).