Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury status has finally been revealed. The Milwaukee Bucks will begin their postseason against the Indiana Pacers this Sunday, and will have to do so without their star man.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Bucks “are hopeful treatment on [Antetokounmpo’s] left calf strain will allow him to return sometime later in the series”.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Injury Status Revealed
ESPN Sources: The Milwaukee Bucks are preparing to be without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for the start of their opening round series against the Indiana Pacers, but are hopeful treatment on his left calf strain will allow him to return sometime later in the series. pic.twitter.com/8p0wCiRSRl
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 16, 2024
Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury
The injury occurred during the third quarter of Milwaukee’s 104-91 victory over the Boston Celtics on April 9th.
Antetokounmpo appeared to go down without contact, which raised concern over a potential Achilles tear. However, the Bucks were able to alleviate fears when they labeled the injury as a left calf strain.
Giannis Antetokounmpo left the game against the Celtics with a left calf injury 🙏pic.twitter.com/1nfh4rOUVl
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) April 10, 2024
Despite Milwaukee’s woes this season, Giannis has enjoyed another strong campaign.
The 29 year-old appeared in 73 games during the regular season. He averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks.
His 61.1% shooting from the field was also a career-best, and the highest in the league among players averaging 25 points or more.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Is Reflective of Milwaukee’s Season
Giannis’ injury is just the latest of a series of afflictions that have plagued Milwaukee’s season.
When the Bucks acquired Damian Lillard in a blockbuster deal from the Portland Trail Blazers, many assumed that they would be a significant threat to the Celtics. Although the Bucks hung around the top of the Eastern Conference for much of the season, they ultimately finished third after losing their final two games (without Antetokounmpo) to the Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Bucks controversially fired head coach Adrian Griffin on January 23rd. At the time, the Bucks held a record of 30-13, tied for second-best in the NBA.
Milwaukee immediately hired Doc Rivers as their new head coach, leading to further turmoil. Since Griffin’s departure, the team has performed well-below expectations, finishing with an abysmal record of 17-19 under Rivers.
Everything Is at Stake in the 2024 NBA Playoffs
The upcoming series against the Pacers represents a pivotal moment for the Bucks franchise. The repercussions of losing in the first round for the second year in a row would be monumental, and could include the end of the Giannis Antetokounmpo era in Milwaukee.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst appeared on the ESPN show “Get Up” to discuss the fall-out of a loss against the Pacers.
“If [the Bucks] go down in the first round again … I’m not sure where Giannis is going to be.”
👀 @WindhorstESPN pic.twitter.com/NivbiUqDDh
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 16, 2024
The Bucks failed to build on their championship success of 2021, and further misery could be heading their way. If Milwaukee wants to avoid a frenzied offseason amidst the rumors of their star man leaving, they must hope that Antetokounmpo is able to return in the first round. The 2024 NBA playoffs are the biggest yet in Milwaukee’s recent history, and the outcome could have huge implications on the future of the franchise.
