Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miss 4-6 Weeks with Calf Injury

UPDATE: Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks due to a right calf injury sustained during Friday night’s narrow 102-100 loss to the Denver Nuggets. The injury, which Antetokounmpo described as similar to a previous calf issue, is a significant setback for the struggling Bucks.

Antetokounmpo left the game after the first quarter but returned with a wrap on his calf, ultimately playing 32 minutes and contributing 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists. However, he admitted to feeling pain throughout the game, stating, “For me to stop playing and not be able to move? It was extremely painful.” His condition necessitates further evaluation, with an MRI scheduled for Saturday.

Bucks head coach Doc Rivers expressed concern, noting, “This calf keeps coming up and it’s concerning.” Antetokounmpo has a history of calf injuries, missing three weeks earlier this season with a right soleus strain, an injury that also impacted his performance during the 2024 playoffs.

The Bucks are currently in 11th place in the standings with a record of 18-26, trailing the Atlanta Hawks by 2.5 games for the final play-in spot. Milwaukee has struggled without Antetokounmpo, posting a dismal 3-11 record in games he has missed this season.

“I’m going to work my butt off to come back,” Antetokounmpo said, indicating a hopeful return by late February or early March. He emphasized the importance of the team remaining competitive during his absence and expressed determination to support his teammates, stating, “I was just trying to be out there, do whatever I could.”

As the Bucks face a critical juncture in their season, the potential loss of their star player raises questions about their playoff aspirations. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as Milwaukee navigates this challenging period without their leading scorer.