Rivers Says Bucks Will Move Slowly With Antetokounmpo’s Calf Recovery
bucks-to-proceed-cautiously-with-giannis-calf-injury
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers intends to take a conservative path with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s right calf strain and anticipates the forward could miss the full four-week window originally projected, not the shorter two-week estimate.
Antetokounmpo was diagnosed on Wednesday, and ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the initial two-to-four-week timetable shortly thereafter. Speaking before Friday night’s matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers, Rivers stressed the importance of patience.
“We have to make sure the calf is completely healthy,” Rivers said. “That might take longer than we want and might frustrate Giannis, but we have to get it right.”
The coach added that he spoke at length with Antetokounmpo on Thursday after MRI results were reviewed, noting that the two-time MVP felt optimistic about his prognosis.
Potential Impact on Awards
If the 30-year-old is sidelined the full four weeks, he would miss the Bucks’ next 12 games. Combined with the six contests he has already sat out, Antetokounmpo would fall short of the league’s new 65-game requirement for most major postseason honors. He has earned First Team All-NBA recognition in each of the past seven seasons and finished no lower than fourth in MVP voting during that span.
Adjusting Without Their Star
Milwaukee is 1-5 this season when Antetokounmpo does not play (2-6 including early exits). Guard Kevin Porter Jr.’s return is expected to ease the workload on Ryan Rollins, who carried heavy responsibilities during Antetokounmpo’s recent adductor issue. Rollins emphasized the need for constant ball movement: “When he’s off the court, we need to move it even more.”
Analysts Dan Devine (Yahoo Sports) and Eric Nehm (The Athletic) suggested Jericho Sims could see expanded frontcourt minutes, while A.J. Green might pick up scoring slack from the wing. Green, however, exited Friday’s game with a left shoulder contusion and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
Source: Hoops Rumors
