Thanasis Antetokounmpo is expected to suit up for Greece’s knockout World Cup first-round matchup against New Zealand on Wednesday, Aug. 30, in Pasay’s Mall of Asia Arena amid an adductor injury he sustained against the United States (via Sportal’s Christos Tsaltas).
Antetokounmpo notably experienced discomfort on his left adductor during the Greeks’ 109-81 loss against the Americans. He eventually underwent an MRI to further assess the severity of the injury, but the 31-year-old expressed determination to suit up for his nation’s final first-round game.
The winner of tonight’s clash between Greece and New Zealand will be pivotal as it will determine the second squad from Group C to advance to the next round of the Group Phase. The United States has earlier booked a seat upon tallying a 2-0 record last Monday.
The losing team will join Jordan in the classification round.
Antetokounmpo, 31, is currently averaging 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 20.3 minutes of play through two Group Phase games at the World Cup in the Philippines.
The older brother of NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, he inked a one-year deal worth $2.3MM this offseason to remain in the Milwaukee Bucks.
