The NBA is investigating the Milwaukee Bucks after star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo told reporters he's healthy and ready to play, contradicting the team's medical clearance decisions. Sources told ESPN's Shams Charania that Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have provided conflicting accounts to league investigators about his availability.

Antetokounmpo, who hasn't played since hyperextending his left knee on March 15, stated he's available to play despite missing his 10th consecutive game. The National Basketball Players Association issued a rebuke of the Bucks, suggesting the team is "tanking" and damaging league integrity. The investigation follows the Bucks' elimination from playoff contention on March 28, marking their first postseason absence since 2016.

The league has interviewed Antetokounmpo, Bucks officials, and team doctors as part of the probe. Antetokounmpo expressed frustration with the situation, telling reporters that being told not to play feels "like a slap in my face." The 31-year-old has appeared in only 36 games this season due to multiple injuries, including calf strains and an adductor strain. Despite the dispute, Antetokounmpo has continued his pregame routines before home games to demonstrate his readiness.