BREAKING: Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks due to a right calf injury sustained during Friday night’s close loss to the Denver Nuggets. The injury, which Antetokounmpo initially played through, has raised serious concerns among fans and team officials alike.
Antetokounmpo confirmed the timeline after the game, stating, “After the MRI, they will tell me, probably, I popped something in my calf on my soleus or something.” He is set to undergo an MRI on Saturday for further evaluation.
This injury is particularly troubling for the Bucks, who are currently struggling with a record of 18-26 and sit in 11th place in the standings, 2.5 games behind the Atlanta Hawks for the final play-in spot. The team has been 3-11 this season without their star player.
During the game, Antetokounmpo appeared to suffer the injury early on but managed to stay on the court, finishing with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists over 32 minutes. He acknowledged the pain he was experiencing, saying, “For me to stop playing and not be able to move? It was extremely painful.” His determination to play despite the injury was evident, as he attempted to impact the game in any way possible.
“I didn’t like what my eyes were seeing, personally. Giannis was defiant about staying in,” said Bucks coach Doc Rivers, who noticed Antetokounmpo favoring his leg throughout the game.
Earlier this season, Antetokounmpo faced a similar calf issue that kept him out for three weeks, raising questions about the long-term impact of these recurring injuries. “This calf keeps coming up and it’s concerning,” Rivers added. “It keeps happening, and that’s troublesome for all of us.”
As the Bucks look to navigate this challenging period, Antetokounmpo is determined to return, stating, “I’m going to work my butt off to come back. Hopefully the team will be in a place that we can at least make the play-in or the playoffs.”
Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the results of the upcoming MRI and the implications for the Bucks’ playoff hopes. With each game crucial for their postseason ambitions, the absence of their superstar could significantly alter the landscape of the season.
