Bucks say Giannis Antetokounmpo has calf strain, no return date set
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Milwaukee, WI — The Milwaukee Bucks confirmed Monday that forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is dealing with a left calf strain, and head coach Doc Rivers said there is currently no timetable for his return.
“There’s really no timetable,” Rivers told reporters after practice, reiterating that the team will monitor the two-time MVP’s progress before determining next steps.
Antetokounmpo, 30, indicated last week that the injury could keep him out for four to six weeks after he felt the calf tighten during the Bucks’ loss to the Denver Nuggets. He said the discomfort severely limited his explosiveness, remarking that he was “basically playing on one leg.”
This is Antetokounmpo’s second calf issue of the season; he previously missed eight games with a similar problem and battled related soreness during the 2024 playoffs and the 2025 All-Star Game.
Despite the recurring concerns, Rivers stressed that the organization has not discussed shutting Antetokounmpo down for the remainder of the season. “There’s no thought to that,” the coach said.
The timing is challenging for Milwaukee, which has dropped five of its last six games and sits at 18-26. The Bucks are 15-15 with Antetokounmpo in the lineup and 3-11 without him.
Playing through obvious pain against Denver, Antetokounmpo still posted 22 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. Teammate Bobby Portis later praised his toughness, calling it emblematic of his character.
For the season, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists. Milwaukee now faces the challenge of staying competitive while its franchise star recovers.
Source: Hoops Wire
