Bucks aim to sideline Giannis Antetokounmpo for the remainder of the season.
The Milwaukee Bucks are considering shutting down Giannis Antetokounmpo for the remainder of the season following his recent injury and the decline in their playoff prospects, but the two-time NBA MVP has declined the team’s suggestions and is eager to return to play, sources informed ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Bucks announced on Tuesday that Antetokounmpo would be out due to a left knee injury, marking the latest setback in a season that has been marred by injuries for the 10-time All-Star.
No timeline for Antetokounmpo’s return was provided by the Bucks, but sources indicated to Charania that he would be sidelined for at least a week due to a hyperextension and a bone bruise in the knee.
Antetokounmpo, 31, landed awkwardly after executing a dunk during the third quarter of Sunday’s home game against the Indiana Pacers. Although he believed he could continue playing through the injury, the Bucks opted to keep him out for the remainder of the game.
Milwaukee (28-40) currently occupies the 11th position in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Charlotte Hornets by 6½ games for the 10th spot and the last place in the play-in tournament.
This season, Antetokounmpo has missed 32 games, the highest total of his career. He has faced significant absences due to strains in his right calf. The Bucks have a record of 11-21 without Antetokounmpo in the lineup this season and 17-19 when he is active.
The Athletic was the first to report on Wednesday that the Bucks had approached Antetokounmpo regarding the possibility of shutting him down for the remainder of the season.
