The Bucks exclude Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) from Game 3 once more

After being ruled out for Game 3 against the Miami Heat on Saturday night, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo missed his second consecutive game due to a lower back injury.
Antetokounmpo has not played since Sunday, when he collided with Miami's Kevin Love and fell to the ground, injuring his back.

Before Game 3, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer stated, "He's just not ready to go." I don't believe it's generally something direct. He's not where he can go. We'll keep on observing him, work with him and remain optimistic."

Earlier in the week, Budenholzer had expressed optimism regarding Antetokounmpo's situation, stating that the two-time MVP has been making progress.

Antetokounmpo played 11 minutes in Game 1, including an endeavor to return in the second quarter after the injury, yet his versatility was restricted before he was taken out from the game.

He hasn't practiced with the team since, but on Friday in Milwaukee, he did some individual work on the court. Following Saturday morning's shootaround, Antetokounmpo was getting loosened up by the group's preparation staff and strolled toward the group transport with his back taped and chilled.

Prior to the game, he was listed as being in question.

Without Antetokounmpo, the top-seeded Bucks rallied to win Game 2 on Wednesday, 138-122, tying a NBA record with 25 3-pointers. When Antetokounmpo is not on the court, the Bucks are 3-1 in postseason contests.