Kofi Inkoom
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was forced to exit Tuesday’s game against the Boston Celtics due to a left calf injury.
Antetokounmpo underwent several tests, including an MRI, on Wednesday morning. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the MRI revealed that his left Achilles tendon remains fully intact, and his return to play hinges on how quickly his left calf strain heals.
Furthermore, his return to the regular season appears unlikely, with his participation in the playoffs also in doubt, as reported by UnderdogNBA.
The injury occurred in the third quarter after Antetokounmpo successfully made a 3-pointer. He subsequently crumbled to the floor, clutching his left leg, despite no apparent contact with another player.
Teammates assisted him off the court during a timeout, and it was later confirmed that he had sustained a left soleus strain, a muscle in the calf, which forced him out of the game in the fourth quarter.
Despite the setback, Antetokounmpo managed to deliver an impressive performance, contributing 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.
With the playoffs looming merely 10 days ahead, the absence of Giannis would severely dent Milwaukee’s hopes of clinching the championship.
The 29-year-old boasts an impressive stat line, averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, solidifying his status as one of the best two-way players in the NBA.
Wednesday’s announcement about his injury brought considerable relief, yet there remains little time for Antetokounmpo to fully recover before the Bucks commence their playoff campaign.