Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of four to six weeks due to a right calf injury sustained during Friday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets. The Bucks lost the match 102-100, and Antetokounmpo indicated after the game that he would undergo an MRI on Saturday for further evaluation of the injury.
During the game, Antetokounmpo appeared to experience discomfort early on, ultimately leaving the court for a period before returning with a wrap around his calf. Despite the pain, he managed to play for 32 minutes, contributing 22 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. He noted that he felt the injury throughout the match but was determined to continue. “I was feeling it for the majority of the game but did not want to stop playing,” he explained. “But at the end, I could not move anymore, so I had to stop.”
Concerns Rise Over Antetokounmpo’s Injury History
Head Coach Doc Rivers acknowledged noticing Antetokounmpo favoring his leg throughout the second half of the game. He expressed his concerns to the medical team multiple times, stating, “I didn’t like what my eyes were seeing, personally. Giannis was defiant about staying in.” This injury adds to Antetokounmpo’s history of calf problems, which have plagued him in recent seasons. Earlier in December 2023, he missed three weeks due to a right soleus strain, a similar injury that had sidelined him during the 2024 playoffs.
Following the game, Rivers remarked on the recurring nature of Antetokounmpo’s calf issues, stating, “This calf keeps coming up, and it’s concerning. I’m not a doctor, but I’m smart enough to know that his calf keeps bothering him, and that’s troublesome for all of us.”
Bucks Face Challenges Without Their Star Player
The timing of Antetokounmpo’s injury is particularly challenging for the Bucks, who have struggled recently, losing five of their last six games. Currently, they hold an 18-26 record and sit in 11th place in the standings, trailing the Atlanta Hawks by 2.5 games for the final playoff spot. Historically, the Bucks have struggled without their star player, recording a dismal 3-11 record this season when Antetokounmpo is absent.
Antetokounmpo remains optimistic about his recovery, stating, “I’m going to work my butt off to come back. That will probably be the end of February, beginning of March.” He expressed hopes that the team would remain competitive during his absence, aiming for a chance to participate in the play-in tournament or the playoffs. “I just want to take it day by day and try to get better,” he added.
As the Bucks navigate this challenging period, the focus will be on how they adapt to the potential long-term absence of one of the league’s top players. The coming weeks will be critical for Milwaukee as they attempt to maintain their playoff aspirations in a tightly contested Eastern Conference.
