Bucks expect Giannis Antetokounmpo to be sidelined about two weeks with groin strain
bucks-anticipate-giannis-antetokounmpo-out-two-weeks
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is likely to miss roughly two weeks after an MRI revealed what the team believes is a low-grade left groin strain.
Speaking on the “Courtside with Gale Klappa” podcast, Rivers described the scan as encouraging and placed the initial timetable at “probably about two weeks.” That estimate aligns with an earlier report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, who called the injury a mild strain and projected a one-to-two-week absence.
Antetokounmpo was hurt in the second quarter of Monday’s road loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He had already grabbed at his left groin several times, and after hobbling back on defense, committed a foul, and signaled to the bench, he exited for the locker room and did not return. Rivers told reporters postgame that the forward first complained of discomfort in the opening period.
Despite the setback, Antetokounmpo walked out of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse under his own power. Jericho Sims started the second half in his place.
The timing is difficult for Milwaukee. Through 12 games, Antetokounmpo is averaging 32.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 7.1 assists, numbers that rank among the best season starts of his career. He had already appeared on Monday’s injury report with left knee patellar tendinopathy, though Rivers said last week that issue was not serious.
Groin strains can linger, and the Bucks plan to proceed cautiously. Rivers indicated that Sims and Bobby Portis will handle most of the frontcourt minutes during Antetokounmpo’s absence, while Myles Turner is expected to assume a larger share of the offensive workload.
Source: Hoops Wire
