The Milwaukee Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo for Monday night's 140-133 win over the Indiana Pacers after the reigning two-time NBA MVP was ruled out before the game with a left knee sprain.
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said he thinks Antetokounmpo got hurt during a 120-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.
"We're hoping it's shorter rather than longer, but we'll see how these first 48 to 72 hours go and we'll know more then,'' Budenholzer said before Monday's game.
With Antetokounmpo out of the lineup, Pat Connaughton made his first start of the season and collected 20 points and nine rebounds while shooting 6-of-7 from 3-point range. Milwaukee made short work of the Pacers as Jrue Holiday recorded season highs in both points (28) and assists (14).
"When somebody like our best player is not playing that night, we kind of lock in,'' Holiday said. "Everybody has to do a little bit more. It's a testament to the team we have.''
The Bucks were also without reserve forward P.J. Tucker for part of Monday's game because of a sprained left ankle. Tucker played 12 minutes and was scoreless in his second game since he was acquired in a trade with Houston last week.
"We'll see how he does overnight and what he feels like and looks like tomorrow,'' Budenholzer said.
Budenholzer was unsure about Antetokounmpo's status for Wednesday's game against Boston.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
