MILWAUKEE — The return date for Giannis Antetokounmpo remains unknown as the Milwaukee Bucks forward continues to recover from a calf strain. Following the Bucks’ narrow 102-100 loss to the Denver Nuggets last Friday, Antetokounmpo expressed concerns that the injury could sideline him for approximately 4 to 6 weeks after an MRI confirmed a strain in his right leg.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers provided an update on Monday, confirming the diagnosis but refraining from speculating on when the two-time MVP might be back on the court. “There’s really no timetable,” Rivers stated, emphasizing the need for caution regarding Antetokounmpo’s condition.
The 31-year-old had experienced discomfort during the game against Denver, where he was seen with his right calf wrapped and struggled to maintain his usual level of explosiveness. After feeling a pop in his calf, he had to exit the game with just 34 seconds remaining. “I could jog. I couldn’t get on my toes,” he explained. Despite his limited mobility, he still managed a strong performance with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists in 32 minutes of play.
Antetokounmpo previously missed eight games earlier in the season due to a calf strain, and past injuries to his left calf have already caused him to miss the 2024 playoffs and the 2025 All-Star Game. However, Rivers indicated that the Bucks are not considering a season-long rest for Antetokounmpo, though maintaining his health is a priority. “There’s no thought to that,” Rivers said, highlighting the team’s commitment to managing his load carefully.
The Bucks’ current situation is precarious; sitting at 18-26 with five losses in their last six games, they are struggling in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. The absence of Antetokounmpo has hit the team hard—it has gone 15-15 with him and 3-11 without him this season. As the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 5, the implications of his injury and the team’s performance could weigh heavily on decision-making regarding their future.
Bucks fans remain hopeful, with forward Bobby Portis praising Antetokounmpo’s character and determination. “I just think it speaks volumes to his character and who he is as a person and player,” Portis said. The team is also adjusting to the absence of their second-leading scorer, Kevin Porter Jr., who is dealing with an oblique strain and is currently out as well.
Looking ahead, the Bucks aim to address their recent struggles and unite as a team, with forward Kyle Kuzma expressing optimism about building chemistry over the remaining 38 games. “We’ve got an opportunity to get better as a unit, and if he comes back, we have a chance,” Kuzma stated.
While the immediate future is uncertain, the determination of the team to navigate these challenges presents a path forward for the Bucks as they strive to return to playoff contention.