Bucks' betting odds drop with Giannis still sidelined

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The back injury to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoff series against the Miami Heat affected the betting markets.

At Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, the Bucks went from a favorite in the minus-450 to minus-500 range to minus-300, according to sportsbook director Chuck Esposito. At minus-300, a bettor would need to wager $300 to win $100.

The Bucks lost Sunday's best-of-seven series opener 130-117.

Antetokounmpo had hoped to return for Game 2 on Wednesday night. He was upgraded from doubtful to questionable earlier in the day, but then ruled out shortly before game time.

Red Rock had Milwaukee as an 8-point favorite when it appeared Antetokounmpo would play, but the announcement of his absence dropped the number to 6.

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