Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a left calf strain during his team’s victory over the Boston Celtics.
Antetokounmpo has already missed six games this season due to nagging injuries, including hamstring tendinopathy.
Bucks say Giannis Antetokounmpo has a calf strain. He will not return tonight vs. Boston.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 10, 2024
The injury occurred in the third quarter when Antetokounmpo fell to the court after casually jogging up the floor. He immediately grabbed his left calf and was visibly limping as he headed to the locker room.
Antetokounmpo’s specific injury details are still unknown, but he will undergo an MRI and further testing soon.
Prayers up for Giannis 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/5JQYgk9mp4
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 10, 2024
The concern among the team and coaches is high, as Antetokounmpo’s absence could greatly impact their chances of success in the playoffs.
Doc Rivers on the concern level with Giannis Antetokounmpo's left calf injury:
"That's a good question. High. But he's Giannis. I think everyone probably feels the same way as I do right now. We're just going hope for the best."
— Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) April 10, 2024
Prior to the injury, he had scored 15 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and recorded seven assists. Despite losing their star player, the Bucks managed to secure a 13-point win. Patrick Beverley led the team with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
On the Celtics side, Jayson Tatum scored 22 points, while Jaylen Brown contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Bucks currently hold a 48-31 record, placing them second in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Celtics remain ahead of them with a 14-game lead and have secured the top seed in the conference.
Antetokounmpo’s injury comes at a crucial time with the playoffs approaching, raising concerns about the team’s postseason prospects.
The extent of his injury is still uncertain, but the Bucks hope for a positive outcome.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard expressed concern over teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo’s left calf injury, stating the importance of his presence on the team.
This marked just the fifth time in the last 30 games that Antetokounmpo, Lillard, and Khris Middleton were all available.
With three regular-season games remaining, Middleton emphasized the need for Antetokounmpo to rest and recover for the playoffs.
Lillard, who dealt with a similar injury last season, understands the challenges of returning too soon.
The Bucks had lost four straight games prior to Tuesday’s matchup against the Boston Celtics but were able to secure a surprise victory despite Antetokounmpo’s absence.
Combo guard Patrick Beverley led the way with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists.
Antetokounmpo contributed 15 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists before leaving due to his calf injury. With regards to the injury, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers expressed high concern and hopes for the best.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers tells reporters that Giannis Antetokounmpo is undergoing testing for his left calf, an MRI and that Antetokounmpo just left a little while ago to get it done.
— Bearded Priest (@BeardedPriest1) April 10, 2024
Q: We were told it is a left soleus/calf strain. Did he get an Achilles tendon test?
Rivers: “Yeah. They're testing him for the calf, which is obviously an MRI. They'll check them both, yeah."
Q: And there are no updates on that?
Rivers: "No. He just left a little while ago."
— Bearded Priest (@BeardedPriest1) April 10, 2024
The victory improved Milwaukee’s record to 48-31, and they hold a 1.5 game lead over the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks for the East’s second seed.
If Antetokounmpo misses significant time, the team will rely on its supporting cast, particularly Lillard, to step up. The key for the Bucks is preserving their playoff positioning.
The length of his absence is uncertain, as recovery times can vary. In a similar injury, Damian Lillard was sidelined for two weeks.
The Bucks have secured a spot in the playoffs but are yet to determine their seed. In the meantime, the team will need to come together and fill the gap left by Antetokounmpo’s absence.
Khris Middleton emphasized the need for a collective effort and cautioned against rushing Antetokounmpo’s return to prevent further injury.
Fans reacted as follows.
Prayers for Greek 🙏
— Emo Jimmy (@WheelerJaylen) April 10, 2024
Relax this match, Giannis Antetokounmpo, sit on the sidelines and cheer for your teammates pic.twitter.com/oVIAJRfsEE
— Ngọc Diệp (@Langocdiep2k) April 10, 2024
That looked real bad. This is best case scenario , right? 👀
— Hayden Wheatley (@WheatleyHayden) April 10, 2024
Could be worse
— Settle the Debate! (@Settle__Debate) April 10, 2024
Bucks fans rn! pic.twitter.com/GAhqC3pOeO
— iMentOs™ #D4L (@WiltDaCEO) April 10, 2024
When he plays 40 mins against the Pistons and Spurs, this is what happens in the end
— Mr Slave (@Vasilis79008498) April 10, 2024
I swear basketball players are so soft compared to any other athlete
— keto (@itz_fr4ncisco) April 10, 2024
He ain’t look back so maybe he didn’t get a pop on the calve or Achilles
— FATBOTB (@FATBOTB4life) April 10, 2024
PRAYERS TOO GIANNIS HOPE HES ALRIGHT 🙏🏼
— Curry Flurry 😈 (@babyfacedubs) April 10, 2024
Sending positive thoughts Giannis way. In the game of life, lets remember to lift each other up, both on and off the court. #HumanConnection
— Neha (@NAzharTheGreat) April 10, 2024
