Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a calf injury in early December and has now missed five consecutive games. With no clear timetable for his return, Antetokounmpo delivered an update that brings concern to both the organization and its fan base.
Reports suggest the 31 year old forward believes the calf issue he is currently managing is the same one that derailed Milwaukee’s 2023–24 season, according to Eric Nehm of The Athletic. Antetokounmpo reportedly feels his recovery could take roughly four to six weeks, leaving his return timeline uncertain as the Bucks wait for their star to fully heal.
Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke with reporters today for the first time since he suffered a right calf stain on Dec. 3.
He said the calf strain is actually a soleus strain, the same injury that ended his 2023-24 season, and the timeline he was thinking to return was 4-6 weeks. https://t.co/zjvn2Eo4MR
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) December 18, 2025
“Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke with reporters today for the first time since he suffered a right calf stain on Dec. 3. He said the calf strain is actually a soleus strain, the same injury that ended his 2023-24 season, and the timeline he was thinking to return was 4-6 weeks,” Nehm wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Giannis Antetokounmpo has dealt with this injury before
Dec 3, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) grimaces as he limps off the court after going down with an injury in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Antetokounmpo dealt with this same calf issue late in the 2023–24 season, and it completely altered Milwaukee’s path. After appearing in 73 games, the two time MVP was forced to shut things down the rest of the way, missing the closing stretch of the regular season and the playoffs, which effectively ended the Bucks’ hopes of making a serious title push.
This time, the injury struck early enough in the season to give Giannis Antetokounmpo a chance to recover fully, but the Bucks still face an extended stretch without their star forward. He has already missed 10 games, and his absence continues to test Milwaukee’s depth and consistency.
Nov 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after making a basket against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
When healthy, Antetokounmpo has delivered at an elite level, averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game while shooting 63.9 percent from the field and a career best 43.5 percent from three point range.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo expected to miss several more weeks, the Bucks will lean heavily on Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis to handle minutes at power forward. Milwaukee will test that approach Sunday night when it faces the Minnesota Timberwolves.