Getty
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 26: Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket around center Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Rocket Arena on October 26, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks now know how long they will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo for.
Antetokounmpo exited a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers with a groin strain. He only played 14 minutes in the game before exiting in the second quarter with the injury. He did not return to the game, and it was clearly something that was bothering him in the first quarter.
The Bucks are going to have to find a way to play without Antetokounmpo, as he is expected to miss some time with this injury, although it is not a significant amount.
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 26: Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks over center Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Rocket Arena on October 26, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bucks 118-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Miss 1-2 Weeks
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Antetokounmpo will miss one to two weeks with his groin strain. It’s the best possible news for Milwaukee, as he won’t miss a significant amount of time. With this time frame in mind, Antetokounmpo will miss three to six games.
Without Antetokounmpo on the floor, the Bucks are a much worse team. Antetokounmpo has a 7.1 net rating when he’s on the floor. Myles Turner will be asked to step up his offensive production, although that has been a struggle so far.
Turner is shooting 44 percent from the field, which is a career low. He does have a career-high assist percentage, showing that he is a better playmaker than he was with the Pacers.
Kyle Kuzma will be looked at to take a larger role in shot creation, as well. Right now, the Bucks sit ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. In order not to fall too far without Antetokounmpo, the Bucks need to turn into a defensive-first team.
GettyTORONTO, CANADA – OCTOBER 24: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on October 24, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Chisholm/Getty Images)
The Bucks Have Been Disappointing
Antetokounmpo was looking at possibly being moved in the summer for the first time in his career, but opted to stay with the Bucks. He believed in the roster they had assembled. So far, that roster has been a bit disappointing in what is a very weak East.
If Milwaukee wants to keep Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have to make a deep run in the playoffs. The Knicks reportedly made a call about Antetokounmpo before the year started, and more teams will next summer if this season ends disappointingly again.
Antetokounmpo needs to be healthy for the playoffs, and that’s all that matters.