MILWAUKEE (AP) Giannis Antetokounmpo says hes healthy and wants to play even as the Milwaukee Bucks continue to say the two-time MVP is too injured to take the floor.READ ALSO | Doc Rivers pushes back on Giannis trade rumors: ' Giannis has never asked to be traded'Antetokounmpo missed a 10th straight game on Friday night against the Boston Celtics due to what the team has described as a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise. Antetokounmpo hasnt played since landing awkwardly during a March 15 victory over the Indiana Pacers.Im healthy, Antetokounmpo told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and The Athletic before Fridays game. I hate it when people force me to do things against my nature. Im a player. I get paid to play.For the last couple of weeks, Antetokounmpo has participated in pregame warmups without showing any apparent signs of injury.Antetokounmpo also noted that the Bucks should have known this about him since the 31-year-old has spent his entire 13-year career in Milwaukee.Throughout that time, Antetokounmpo has had a reputation for rapid returns from injury, most notably when he hyperextended his knee during Milwaukees 2021 playoff run but missed two games before returning to lead the Bucks to their first title in half a century.You know who youre dealing with, Antetokounmpo told reporters. So, for somebody to come and tell me to not play or to not compete, its like a slap in my face.The Bucks still had a remote chance of earning a 10th straight playoff berth at the time of that Indiana game, but they were officially eliminated from contention last week. Theres also the possibility of Antetokounmpo getting hurt again if he returns to action he has missed a career-high 41 games this season and had two extended absences due to calf strains.I understand the circumstances yes, were not going to be in the playoffs, Antetokounmpo said. For some peoples eyes, its not worth it for me to be out there. But for me, its something that goes against my nature.Antetokounmpo also wanted the opportunity to play alongside his younger brother, Alex, who made his NBA debut Sunday. There was a possibility of three Antetokounmpo brothers playing alongside each other in the same game, since Giannis older brother, Thanasis, also is on the Bucks.When my dad passed away, I pretty much raised (Alex), Antetokounmpo said. Hes able to be on the team and suit up and chase an opportunity to be great. You really think I dont want to suit up and play with my brother? Anybody who thinks that is an idiot.Antetokounmpos desire to play and the Bucks wishes to rest him drew the attention of the National Basketball Players Association last month.The Player Participation Policy was designed by the league to hold teams accountable and ensure that when an All-Star like Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy and ready to play, he is on the court, the union said in a statement. Unfortunately, anti-tanking policies are only as effective as their enforcement; fans, broadcast partners, and the integrity of the game itself will continue to suffer as long as ownership goes unchecked. We look forward to collaborating with the NBA on meaningful new proposals that will directly address and discourage tanking.ESPN reported Friday that sources say the NBA is investigating the Bucks regarding the issue, and has interviewed Antetokounmpo's side, the Bucks and team doctors.This dispute between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks comes at a time when his future in Milwaukee is uncertain. Antetokounmpos name dominated league-wide discussions leading up to the trade deadline, though the Bucks ultimately kept him.Antetokounmpo becomes eligible to sign a four-year contract extension worth up to $275 million in October. If he doesnt sign the extension, Antetokounmpo could become a free agent after the 2026-27 season, or the Bucks could decide to trade him beforehand.Now they find themselves at odds over how to handle the rest of this season.I dont know where the relationship goes from there, Antetokounmpo said. Weve got to go to couples therapy.Its about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for TMJ4 on your device.Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.Report a typo or error ...read more read less