Antetokounmpo expected to miss significant time after suffering a right calf injury that could sideline Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo for up to six weeks, the two-time NBA MVP said following his teamโs narrow loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday nigh
The injury occurred late in the first quarter of the 102-100 defeat, but Antetokounmpo continued to play through discomfort, finishing with 22 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists before leaving the game with just under a minute remaining. The 31-year-old indicated that the diagnosis might involve a calf or soleus strain.
Antetokounmpo told reporters he expects the upcoming MRI to confirm damage similar to a previous calf strain that sidelined him earlier in the season. If so, the teamโs medical staff may prescribe a rehabilitation protocol of around four to six weeks before he can return to action.
โThis is from my experience being around the NBA,โ Antetokounmpo said, explaining that after the MRI, he will work hard to return โ potentially by late February or early March.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers expressed concern about the recurring nature of the calf issue but stressed the importance of careful recovery. โI donโt think it looks great, honestly,โ Rivers said, adding that the ongoing calf trouble has been โconcerningโ for the teamโs coaching staff.
Antetokounmpoโs absence could significantly affect the Milwaukee Bucks as they navigate the stretch run of the regular season. The franchise leader in scoring, rebounding and assists, Antetokounmpoโs on-court presence makes him central to the teamโs offensive and defensive identity.
Without him, the Bucks may need to deepen their rotation and lean more on role players for scoring and leadership. His projected timeline also risks missing key games as the team battles for positioning in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Prior to the injury, Antetokounmpo had been putting up strong numbers and remained one of the leagueโs most dominant players this season. His ability to impact games in multiple facets made him a cornerstone for Milwaukeeโs title aspirations.
Despite the setback, Antetokounmpo maintained a positive outlook regarding his rehabilitation. He stressed that a disciplined recovery process is essential and that he plans to attack his rehab work with intensity once the MRI results are available.
The Bucks now face the challenge of adjusting their rotation and maintaining competitiveness without their superstar for an extended stretch. With the trade deadline approaching and playoff races tightening across the league, Antetokounmpoโs timeline will be a key storyline as the NBA season unfolds.
