The victory over the Boston Celtics came with a heavy cost for the Milwaukee Bucks. Doc Rivers’ team was scared to death in the third quarter of the duel played at the Fiserv Forum when Giannis Antetokounmpo was injured, and today, they confirmed that the forward will miss the remainder of the regular season.
Antetokounmpo was having a great night against the Celtics. Before leaving the court, he had 15 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. However, during the third period, the player took the throw-in from the baseline after Boston scored, and when he returned to the court, he dropped to the ground without any contact.
The red lights immediately went on among the Bucks when they saw the forward grab his ankle, which was noticeably sore. Several teammates had to help him leave the court, and he was taken immediately to the locker room for a check-up.
Antetokounmpo’s diagnosis
Although it was thought it could be something more serious, an MRI revealed that the Bucks star suffered a soleus (calf) strain. According to a team statement, Antetokounmpo will miss the final three games of the regular season.
Although there is no date for his possible return, Giannis could be back for the playoffs, which will begin this April 20. Milwaukee is in second place in the Eastern Conference, only behind Boston, so its place in the postseason is assured.
The player of Nigerian descent finished the regular season with averages of 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game.
Giannis’ absence
With Antetokounmpo recovering, the weight of the Bucks’ offense will fall on guard Damian Lillard. Malik Beasley, Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, and Bobby Portis will be responsible for filling the power forward spot while Giannis returns.
The ten-year veteran has the numbers to be a serious candidate for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the season. Antetokounmpo has already won this distinction twice, in 2019 and 2020, in addition to being the Defensive Player of the Year in 2020.