Giannis Antetokounmpo expected to miss 2–4 weeks with right calf strain
antetokounmpo-out-2-4-weeks-calf-strain
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is likely to be sidelined for approximately two to four weeks after suffering a right calf strain, according to sources cited by ESPN.
The two-time NBA MVP was hurt three minutes into the first quarter of Wednesday night’s victory over the Detroit Pistons. While retreating on defense, Antetokounmpo collapsed to the floor, grabbed his lower right leg and needed assistance from teammates before walking carefully to the bench and then to the locker room.
Head coach Doc Rivers said after the game that an initial MRI ruled out an Achilles injury. Antetokounmpo had missed four games last month with a left groin strain but had appeared in the Bucks’ previous three contests before Wednesday’s setback.
If the 30-year-old is out the full four weeks, his absence could bring him close to the league’s 65-game minimum required for eligibility for major end-of-season honors such as MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player and All-NBA selections. Antetokounmpo has earned first-team All-NBA recognition and finished in the top five of MVP voting for seven consecutive seasons.
The injury occurred shortly after an ESPN report indicated Antetokounmpo is evaluating his long-term future with Milwaukee. Sources told ESPN that the player and his agent, Alex Saratsis, are discussing whether remaining with the Bucks is the best option. Before Wednesday’s game, Rivers said there had been “no conversations” about a potential move and added that Antetokounmpo “loves Milwaukee and he loves the Bucks.”
Source: ESPN
