01/26/26 12:29:00
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01/26 12:28 CST Bucks have no timetable on when Giannis Antetokounmpo might
return from right calf strain
Bucks have no timetable on when Giannis Antetokounmpo might return from right
calf strain
By STEVE MEGARGEE
AP Sports Writer
MILWAUKEE (AP) --- Giannis Antetokounmpo's potential return date remains
uncertain as the Milwaukee Bucks forward recovers from a calf strain that he
had predicted might keep him out for four to six weeks.
The two-time MVP also said after the Bucks' 102-100 loss to Denver on Friday
that an MRI would determine he had a calf or soleus strain in his right leg.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers confirmed the calf strain diagnosis Monday but didn't
speculate on when Antetokounmpo might return.
"There's really no timetable," Rivers said.
The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo had his right calf wrapped in the first half of
the game against Denver. He didn't appear comfortable the rest of the night and
left for good with 34 seconds remaining.
"I felt like I couldn't explode," Antetokounmpo said 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 help. At the end, when it popped, I had to get out. I couldn't
walk."
Antetokounmpo previously missed eight games from Dec. 5-26 with a right calf
strain. Strains to his left calf caused him to miss the 2024 playoffs and the
2025 All-Star Game.
Rivers said the Bucks haven't considered resting Antetokounmpo for the
remainder of the season despite his history of calf issues.
"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 are 11th in the
Eastern Conference standings, putting their streak of nine consecutive playoff
berths in serious jeopardy. They have gone 15-15 with Antetokounmpo and 3-11
without him this season.
Antetokounmpo acknowledged Friday he would have removed himself from that game
much earlier if the Bucks owned a significantly better record. He instead
played 32 minutes and had 22 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.
"I just think it speaks volume to his character and who he is as a person and
player," Bucks forward Bobby Portis said.
Antetokounmpo has averaged 28 points, 10 rebounds and 5.6 assists over 30 games
this season.
The Bucks also have played their last two games without second-leading scorer
Kevin Porter Jr. because of an oblique strain. Rivers said there's no
indication yet when Porter might be available again.
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