Giannis Antetokounmpo’s latest injury is a troubling development for the Milwaukee Bucks. The superstar forward pulled his left groin in the second quarter of their recent loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the team’s main offensive engine sidelined, someone else will need to take charge in his absence.
Nov 17, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Even with Shams Charania’s update, Giannis Antetokounmpo missing one to two weeks remains a major setback for the Bucks. The star forward has been unstoppable this season, putting up 31.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. Milwaukee will feel the absence keenly, as the team sits in a play-in position with an uneven 8-7 record and relies heavily on his production to stay competitive.
With Giannis sidelined, Ryan Rollins is expected to take on a bigger role as Milwaukee’s main perimeter scorer. The emerging guard is already averaging 17.4 points per game, the second-highest on the team, and will need to carry more of the offensive load.
Ryan Rollins’ hot start for the Bucks
Oct 30, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) reacts in the 4th quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Rollins is also an early contender for this year’s Most Improved Player award. He has transformed from a second-round pick with an uncertain future in Golden State into a reliable starting guard for the Bucks.
This is a crucial moment for the Bucks to redefine themselves, leaning on their younger players to shoulder the responsibility while Giannis recovers. Rollins has already flashed his potential this season, highlighted by a 32-point outburst against his former team, the Warriors.
Nov 9, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has a talk with Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) in the first half against the Houston Rockets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Over his last four outings, Ryan Rollins has reached 20 or more points in three contests. He will need to sustain this scoring consistency to help the Bucks stay competitive while their MVP recovers and returns to action.
Ryan Rollins has emerged as one of the Bucks’ brightest surprises this season, keeping up his strong play even as Milwaukee navigates an uneven 8-7 start.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined by a groin injury for the next one to two weeks, Rollins’ consistency will be crucial. The young guard’s ability to shoulder the scoring load and contribute on both ends will play a major role in keeping the Bucks competitive while their superstar works his way back onto the court.