Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is predicted to be sidelined for roughly two to 4 weeks due to a proper calf pressure, sources instructed ESPN’s Shams Charania on Thursday.
Antetokounmpo suffered the noncontact damage three minutes into the primary quarter of Wednesday evening’s win over the Detroit Pistons.
He fell to the ground whereas making an attempt to get again on protection and remained on the court docket, checking his decrease proper leg. He was helped off the court docket by teammates and walked gingerly to the bench earlier than heading to the locker room.
Fears of an Achilles damage have been instantly dismissed by coach Doc Rivers following the sport after a preliminary MRI was carried out.
Antetokounmpo missed 4 video games final month with a left groin pressure however had performed the Bucks’ previous three video games earlier than Wednesday’s damage.
Milwaukee, which has 11 video games remaining in 2025, seven of them on the highway, is 9-8 this season with Antetokounmpo within the lineup. However the Bucks are simply 1-5 when he would not play and have the worst offensive score within the NBA when he’s off the ground.
If Antetokounmpo misses 4 weeks, he might discover himself on the verge of not with the ability to play the qualifying variety of video games to be eligible for end-of-season awards. NBA gamers should play in at the least 65 regular-season video games to be eligible for the league’s main awards equivalent to MVP, Defensive Participant of the 12 months, Most Improved Participant and All-NBA groups. Antetokounmpo, a two-time league MVP, has been each a first-team All-NBA choice and within the high 5 in MVP voting for seven consecutive seasons.
The damage occurred shortly after ESPN reported that Antetokounmpo is mulling his future with the Bucks. The participant and his agent, Alex Saratsis, are having conversations with the workforce and discussing whether or not his finest match is in Milwaukee or elsewhere, sources instructed Charania.
Rivers mentioned earlier than Wednesday’s recreation that “there’s been no conversations” and that Antetokounmpo “loves Milwaukee and he loves the Bucks.”
ESPN’s Jamal Collier contributed to this report.