Giannis Antetokounmpo out 4 to 6 weeks after new calf injury

The nightmarish season of the Milwaukee Bucks just took an even more dramatic turn. Giannis Antetokounmpo left the court in the final seconds of Friday night’s loss to the Denver Nuggets (100-102), suffering from a new right calf injury. Without even waiting for the results of the MRI scheduled for Saturday, the Greek star announced he expected to be out for 4 to 6 weeks.

« After the MRI, they’ll probably tell me I had a calf tear, or something like that. I have that experience now in the NBA », Antetokounmpo explained in a press conference. The two-time MVP felt discomfort as early as the first quarter but insisted on staying on the court despite the increasing pain.

Doc Rivers concerned about his player’s recurring problems

Bucks coach Doc Rivers didn’t hide his concerns about his star’s physical condition. « I felt like he was favoring one leg in the second half. I asked the medical staff 5 times. Personally, I didn’t like what my eyes were seeing. Giannis was determined to stay in », Rivers confided.

This new right calf injury echoes the one that already kept Antetokounmpo off the court for eight games last December. « This calf continues to be a problem, and it’s concerning. I’m not a doctor, but I’m smart enough to understand that his calf continues to bother him and there’s something wrong », the coach worried.

Despite his injury, the Greek Freak finished the game with 22 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists in 32 minutes, illustrating his determination to help his team during this difficult period. « I felt discomfort for most of the game, but I didn’t want to stop playing. At the end, I couldn’t move anymore, so I had to stop », he summarized.

This extended absence seriously compromises the Bucks’ chances of qualifying for the playoffs. Currently 11th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 18 wins and 26 losses, Milwaukee has a terrible record of 3 wins and 11 losses without Antetokounmpo this season. The Greek star’s return is expected for late February or early March, but the Bucks will absolutely need to turn things around to stay in the play-in race.