Giannis Antetokounmpo leaves Milwaukee adrift after injury

Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a right calf strain and will be sidelined for about a month. Doc Rivers confirmed the news, shaking Milwaukee’s locker room and making clear recovery will take longer than expected. The coach warned that rushing his return would be a mistake, reminding everyone calf injuries are tricky.

As Marca reported, Rivers stressed that protecting the player is the priority, even if it means losing games in the short term. For a fierce competitor like Giannis Antetokounmpo, hearing the process will be slow is tough, but Rivers was firm: health comes first.

The origin of the problem

The incident happened in the win over Detroit, when Giannis Antetokounmpo slipped after assisting AJ Green. The two-time MVP fell, grabbed his leg, and left the court without resistance. Rivers suggested earlier contact on the baseline may have triggered the issue. The scene looked too similar to the calf injury that cut short his 2023-24 season, raising concern across the franchise.

Bad luck also hit Green, who suffered a shoulder blow and will be evaluated. The string of setbacks explains Milwaukee’s uncomfortable present, as the Bucks are just 1-6 without Giannis Antetokounmpo this season.

A mirror against Philadelphia

The game against the 76ers showed what playing without Giannis Antetokounmpo really means. Early turnovers, rushed decisions, and ten giveaways before halftime turned into an impossible mountain. Rivers admitted some players tried to do more than they should, but opponents exploited every gap.

BREAKING: Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to be sidelined for 2 to 4 weeks with a right calf strain.

(via Shams) pic.twitter.com/R5p9qFucUc

— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) December 4, 2025

Kevin Porter Jr., also absent during the Greek’s previous injury, acknowledged everyone must take on more responsibility. Still, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s numbers —28.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game— cannot be replaced with speeches.

The challenge ahead

Milwaukee can survive one or two games without its star. But winning consistently for a month is another story. Doc Rivers knows it, and his mission now is to hold on until the man who supports the entire structure returns.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, even from the bench, will continue to travel with the team when the medical staff allows. Meanwhile, the Bucks must prove they can compete without leaning too heavily on their leader.