Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to be sidelined for approximately four to six weeks due to a right calf injury. The injury occurred during a closely contested game against the Denver Nuggets on January 26, 2024, which ended in a narrow 102-100 loss for the Bucks. Antetokounmpo, who did not finish the game, will undergo an MRI for further evaluation.
During the game, Antetokounmpo experienced discomfort that affected his performance. He noted that the injury felt similar to a calf issue he dealt with earlier this season. “After the MRI, they will tell me, probably, I popped something in my calf on my soleus or something,” he stated following the match.
Antetokounmpo initially appeared to suffer the injury in the first quarter but opted to continue playing despite the pain. “I was feeling it for the majority of the game but did not want to stop playing,” he explained. In total, he logged 32 minutes on the court, contributing 22 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. However, his mobility diminished as the game progressed, ultimately forcing him to exit.
Milwaukee’s head coach Doc Rivers expressed concern over Antetokounmpo’s condition, saying he noticed the star player favoring his leg throughout the second half. “I asked our medical team five different times,” Rivers remarked. “I didn’t like what my eyes were seeing, personally. Giannis was defiant about staying in.”
This latest injury is part of a troubling pattern for Antetokounmpo, who has faced calf issues in recent seasons. He missed three weeks in December 2023 due to a right soleus strain, the same injury that sidelined him during the 2024 playoffs. Rivers highlighted the recurring nature of the injury, stating, “This calf keeps coming up and it’s concerning. I’m not a doctor, but I’m smart enough to know that his calf keeps bothering him and there’s something that is there.”
The Bucks are struggling, currently listing a record of 18-26 and sitting in 11th place in the NBA standings. They have lost five of their last six games, and with Antetokounmpo out, the team faces a significant challenge. Historically, without him, Milwaukee has a dismal record of 3-11 this season.
Antetokounmpo remains optimistic about his recovery. “I’m going to work my butt off to come back,” he affirmed. He anticipates returning by late February or early March, hoping that the team can remain competitive enough to vie for a playoff position during his absence.
As the Bucks navigate this period without their star player, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts and whether they can maintain their playoff hopes in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
