Bucks refrain from providing timeline for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s comeback
MILWAUKEE — The timeline for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return remains unclear as the Milwaukee Bucks forward continues to recover from a calf strain, which he had anticipated could sideline him for four to six weeks.
The two-time MVP mentioned after the Bucks’ 102-100 defeat to Denver on Friday that an MRI would reveal whether he sustained a calf or soleus strain in his right leg. Bucks coach Doc Rivers confirmed the calf strain diagnosis on Monday but refrained from speculating on Antetokounmpo’s potential return.
“There’s really no timetable,” Rivers stated.
The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo had his right calf wrapped during the first half of the game against Denver. He appeared to struggle for the remainder of the night and exited for good with 34 seconds left.
“I felt like I couldn’t explode,” Antetokounmpo remarked after the game. “I could jog. I couldn’t get on my toes, so I was kind of jogging on my heel the majority of the game. I didn’t have the same explosiveness, but I still felt like I could contribute. At the end, when it popped, I had to get out. I couldn’t walk.”
Antetokounmpo had previously missed eight games from Dec. 5-26 due to a right calf strain. Strains to his left calf led to his absence from the 2024 playoffs and the 2025 All-Star Game.
Rivers indicated that the Bucks have not contemplated resting Antetokounmpo for the remainder of the season, despite his history of calf problems.
“There’s no thought to that,” Rivers said. “But listen, there’s no timetable either.”
The Bucks (18-26) have lost five of their last six games and currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference standings, placing their streak of nine consecutive playoff appearances in significant jeopardy. They have recorded a 15-15 record with Antetokounmpo and 3-11 without him this season.
Antetokounmpo acknowledged on Friday that he would have opted to remove himself from that game much earlier if the Bucks had a significantly better record. Instead, he played 32 minutes, contributing 22 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists.
“I just think it speaks volumes to his character and who he is as a person and player,” Bucks forward Bobby Portis commented.
Antetokounmpo has averaged 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists over 30 games this season.
The Bucks have also played their last two games without second-leading scorer Kevin Porter Jr. due to an oblique strain. Rivers mentioned that there is currently no indication of when Porter might be available again.
