MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo will be sitting out from Monday night's game against the Toronto Raptors due to a possible concussion.
According to a tweet by ESPN's NBA reporter Malika Andrews, the "Greek Freak" has been placed in the NBA's concussion protocol after taking an elbow to the head in Saturday night's game against the Orlando Magic.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been placed in NBA’s concussion protocol and will not play tonight against Toronto.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) October 29, 2018
From Milwaukee PR: “Antetokounmpo sustained a blow to the head in Saturday night’s win over Orlando.” He initially passed neurological tests, but reported new symptoms — including a lingering headache — yesterday.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) October 29, 2018
Ersan Ilyasova will start for Giannis tonight, Mike Budenholzer said.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) October 29, 2018
"I just got hit in the head," Antetokounmpo told ESPN.com. "I tried to block the shot. I fell down. I don't remember much after that. I have to be careful with that. We did some [concussion] tests in the second quarter and some additional tests in the third quarter."
According to NBC Sports Boston, a player in the concussion protocol program can’t return to the floor until the following:
- He is without concussion-related symptoms at rest.
- He has been evaluated by a physician.
- He has successfully completed the NBA return-to-participation exertion protocol.
- A team physician has discussed the return-to-participation process and decision with the Director of the NBA concussion program, Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher.
Despite the injury, Antetokounmpo finished with 21 points, seven rebounds an assist and a block in 19 minutes.
The Bucks continued their undefeated start to the season with a 113-91 victory over the Magic.
