Why is Giannis Antetokounmpo not playing against Bosnia and Herzegovina? Latest injury update for EuroBasket clash vs Jusuf Nurkic (Sept. 2) 

Giannis Antetokounmpo will not suit up for Greece's matchup against Jusuf Nurkic's Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday. The Milwaukee Bucks superstar was a late scratch for the 2025 EuroBasket group stage clash. According to Greece's official report, he was ruled out, citing a knee injury.

Harris Stavrou

@harris_stavrou

Giannis Antetokounmpo is OUT (knee)

It's unclear when Antetokounmpo sustained the injury. He had played two of the three games for the Greeks, leading them to an unbeaten record and the top spot in Group C with a +77-point differential. With the other five teams losing at least once, it won't cost Greece much if they drop a game against the Bosnians, who are 1-2, fighting for a chance to stay alive.

Antetokounmpo has been on fire during this EuroBasket edition, averaging 29.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.5 steals. With a knockout spot and a favorable seed locked up, Greece is potentially managing the two-time NBA MVP's workload, allowing him to stay in top shape in the next stage.

They have been in phenomenal form even without their best player. Greece blew out Cyprus 96-69 in Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence and could have another positive outcome against Bosnia without him.

Greece will lean on Konstantinos Mitoglou, who is averaging 14.7 ppg, second behind Antetokounmpo, and Tyler Dorsey, who is averaging 12.7 ppg.

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Jusuf Nurkic challenged Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence deprived fans of a thrilling matchup between him and Jusuf Nurkic. The Bosnian center added fuel to the fire before the game, suggesting that he had spotted a weakness in Antetokounmpo, which could have helped Bosnia neutralize his impact.

"At the end of the day, just stop him in transition and live with his shots," Nurkic said. "Generally, he’s sucked at those defenses the last few years he’s played in EuroBasket. But it’s not only him, so we will be ready."

Many expected Antetokounmpo to take this personally, but the Greek star sat the game out instead. Nevertheless, it seems like his and the team's priorities are clear on winning the grand prize, leading to them resting him for the second time in four games.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's next chance to suit up will be on Thursday against Spain.