Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss Greece’s crucial August World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Spain after the Miami Heat declined to clear him due to workload and injury concerns.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will not represent Greece during the upcoming August window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers, according to Sport24.gr.
The Greek superstar has been playing basketball since March 15, and his new NBA team, the Miami Heat, has not reportedly given its consent for him to participate in the upcoming international games due to concerns over his workload and the possibility of injury.
Miami’s cautious approach comes at the beginning of a new chapter for Antetokounmpo.
The Heat officially acquired the two-time NBA MVP and Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks this summer in exchange for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis and significant draft compensation.
Antetokounmpo also dealt with physical issues during his final season in Milwaukee, including a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise in March, adding further reason for Miami to carefully manage the 31-year-old ahead of his first season with the franchise.
Credit Getty Images via AFP – Scanpix
Greece face important games against Ukraine and Spain
Following their exhibition schedule, Greece will travel to Riga, Latvia, where they will face Ukraine on August 28. Ukraine are playing the game at the Xiaomi Arena in Riga as their nominal home fixture.
Three days later, Greece will return to Athens for another difficult matchup against Spain on August 31.
Those games will open the Second Round of qualification for Greece, with every result becoming increasingly important on the road to the 2027 World Cup in Qatar.
Greece enter Group I carrying a 3-3 record from the opening round. Spain currently lead the group at 5-1, while Ukraine and Montenegro sit at 4-2.
Greece are tied at 3-3 with Portugal and Georgia, leaving them only one victory behind the current qualifying places.
Credit FIBA
Greece have little margin for error without Giannis
Under the FIBA qualifying format, all results from the opening round carry over into the Second Round.
The six-team Group I consists of Greece, Spain, Ukraine, Montenegro, Portugal and Georgia.
Only the top three teams from each Second Round group will qualify directly for the 2027 World Cup, meaning Greece’s upcoming games could have a significant impact on their chances of reaching Qatar.
The August window is the first of three remaining qualifying windows, with further games scheduled for November 2026 and February 2027.
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