Kofi Inkoom
Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t be participating in Game 3 of the team’s playoff series against the Indiana Pacers due to a calf strain, the team announced. Despite Antetokounmpo returning to individual practice sessions, there’s uncertainty regarding when he’ll be fit to play in games again.
Since Antetokounmpo earned his first MVP award in 2018-19, the Bucks have a win-loss record of 40-41 when he’s not on the court, counting both regular season and playoff games. This season, Milwaukee has recorded five wins and six losses in games where Antetokounmpo was sidelined.
Before the incident against the Celtics, Antetokounmpo had only missed six games throughout the season. Despite battling persistent injuries such as Achilles tendinitis and hamstring tendinopathy in his left leg, Antetokounmpo said “Calves, hamstrings, they’re shaky,” after a win over the 76ers on March 14. “If you have a strain or whatever the case may be… you don’t mess with stuff like that.”
With the Bucks facing another postseason challenge, there’s a looming decision for Antetokounmpo and the team: either take a risk by rushing his return or risk repeating the disappointment of previous seasons marred by injuries. In 2022, the Bucks’ title defense ended in the second round without Khris Middleton, while Antetokounmpo’s back injury contributed to their first-round exit last season.
Despite the setbacks, Antetokounmpo’s impressive stats this season underscore his value to the team, averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and a career-high 6.5 assists per game while shooting an impressive 61.1% from the field. His scoring prowess, rebounding ability, and playmaking skills place him among the elite in the league.