Giannis sits out with back spasms after scary fallon January 10, 2021 at 12:26 am

6:58 PM ET

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will be inactive for Saturday night’s game against Cleveland with back spasms, coach Mike Budenholzer said.

Antetokounmpo, 26, had a scary fall during Friday’s loss to Utah. He said he landed on his face and back, although he was able to return in the second half.

“He is very sore, very stiff, so there’s not much of a discussion or anything today. … We are hopeful that it’s a short-term thing,” Budenholzer said. “… We’ll see how he feels. Another 24 to 48 hours could make a big difference and he’s a quick healer and everything. When appropriate, we’ll always err on the side of caution in keeping him healthy and thinking about the long term with him.”

Antetokounmpo said he felt “good” Friday night, but the Bucks won’t risk further injury to their back-to-back reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. He is averaging 27.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and is shooting 52.7% from the field.

“I feel great, always feel good,” Antetokounmpo said after the Utah loss. “It was a bad fall, I was good.”