Giannis: Bucks' decision to sit me 'a slap in my face'

Giannis Antetokounmpo says it's "against my nature" to sit out games and insists he's been healthy enough to suit up despite missing the last nine contests with what's been labeled a left knee injury.

Milwaukee reportedly wants to shut down Antetokounmpo for the remainder of the campaign, but the two-time MVP apparently told the team that he wants to continue playing.

"You know who you are dealing with," Antetokounmpo told reporters, including The Athletic's Eric Nehm, prior to Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. "So for somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it's like a slap in my face. So, I don't know where the relationship goes from there."

The NBA's been investigating Antetokounmpo's injury status, a source told Nehm.

The league received conflicting stories from the Bucks and Antetokounmpo, ESPN's Shams Charania reports.

Milwaukee told the NBA that it doesn't believe Antetokounmpo is ready, nor does he actually want to play, while the Greek Freak claims the Bucks won't medically clear him, according to Charania.

Antetokounmpo added that the franchise hasn't communicated with him since he initially approached them about a possible return this season.

The National Basketball Players Association issued a statement last March ripping Milwaukee for its reported efforts to keep Antetokounmpo sidelined, as well as the NBA for not stepping in.

"I'm available to play, but I'm not in the game," Antetokounmpo said Friday. "I'm available to play today. Right now. I'm available. Do I look like I'm not available? … I don't see myself in the first 12. I don't see myself in the starting lineup.

"I don't know what game is being played right here, I just don't wanna be a part of it."

The Bucks (30-46) sit 11th in the East entering Friday. They were eliminated from postseason contention following last Saturday's loss to the San Antonio Spurs.