The Milwaukee Bucks have played the past seven games without Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a calf injury. When he first went down, the situation appeared more serious than a simple strain. The diagnosis, however, confirmed a calf issue, placing his absence in the two to four week range.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (right calf strain) is listed as out for tonight’s game against the Pacers, but he did play 3-on-3 for 10-15 minutes after today’s shootaround in Indianapolis. pic.twitter.com/pODIovqTTL
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) December 23, 2025
The Bucks have dropped five of their last seven games without Antetokounmpo, sliding to 11th in the Eastern Conference. This is a precarious position, particularly given Antetokounmpo’s warning that he could depart if the team fails to remain a championship contender.
Ahead of their game against the Pacers, Antetokounmpo has been ruled out. Still, there is encouraging news about his recovery. According to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Antetokounmpo has resumed 3-on-3 drills for the first time since his injury, marking a step forward and signaling that he is getting closer to a return.
The Bucks hope to salvage their season when Giannis Antetokounmpo returns
Dec 11, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on from the bench while recovering from an injury in the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
For the Bucks to have any chance of turning their season around, Antetokounmpo must return soon—and he needs to perform at an MVP level. The rest of the roster has not filled the void during his absence, leaving the team’s fate squarely in his hands.
Doc Rivers and the Bucks are scrambling to find a trade that can give Antetokounmpo the support he needs to lift the team out of its slump. That task is far from simple, as the Bucks have few assets left to work with after spending most of them to acquire Damian Lillard.
Apr 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on in the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
As Antetokounmpo continues to recover, he could be back within the next couple of weeks. That return will give him a final opportunity to evaluate the roster and decide whether he wants to remain with the Bucks or push for a trade at the deadline.