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Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a 105-101 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on January 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
The Milwaukie Bucks won’t be the only team to be without star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who suffered a serious non-contact leg injury during Friday night’s 102-100 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Antetokounmpo is now in serious doubt to play in the NBA All-Star Game on February 1.
An MRI tomorrow will give a more definitive timeline for the two-time NBA MVP’s return to the court, but the Greek star did tell reporters he expects to miss roughly four to six weeks. That would force him to miss the All-Star Game next week.
“After the MRI, they will tell me probably I popped something in my calf, or in my soleus or something, probably give me a protocol of four to six weeks I’ll be out,” Antetokounmpo told reporters after the game. “This is from my experience being around the NBA. After that, I’m going to work my butt off to come back. That will probably be end of February, beginning of March.”
Who Is Next In Line for the NBA All-Star Game Spot
Adam Silver
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NBA commissioner Adam Silver will be responsible for selecting Antetokounmpo’s replacement, according to senior NBA insider for NBA on Prime and The Association on NBATV Chris Haynes.
“With Giannis Antetokounmpo announcing he’ll likely be sidelined 4-6 weeks with that lingering calf strain, means he’ll be forced to sit out the All-Star game,” Haynes posted on Threads. “NBA commissioner Adam Silver will need to pick a replacement.”
The NBA All-Star Game is shifting to a new “United States versus the World” format this season, featuring feature three eight-man teams, including one made up entirely of international players.
Assuming he’s unable to participate, Silver is expected to select another international standout to preserve roster balance, with players like Pascal Siakam or Alperen Sengun emerging as logical candidates. Either would help replace Antetokounmpo’s frontcourt presence while maintaining the size and versatility that defines the World team.
Ultimately Silver and the NBA front office will make the decision on Antetokounmpo’s replacement. It’s unclear when an announcement will be made.
What’s Next for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukie Bucks
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Antetokounmpo first injured his calf on Dec. 3 and returned to the lineup on Dec. 27, though he has been playing under a minutes restriction ever since. The Bucks are 3–11 in games Antetokounmpo has missed this season.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers acknowledged the tough spot the Milwaukie will be in should Antetokounmpo be out for a significant portion of the remainder of the season.
“I don’t think it looks great, honestly,” Rivers said. “This calf keeps coming up and it’s concerning. I’m not a doctor, but I’m smart enough to know that his calf keeps bothering him. There’s something that is there. It keeps happening. That’s troublesome for all of us.”
The Milwaukie Bucks are 18-26 on the season and in 11th place in the NBA’s Eastern Conference Standings
“I don’t like to quit,” Antetokounmpo said. “I felt like I couldn’t explode. I could jog. I couldn’t get on my toes, so I was kind of jogging on my heel the majority of the game. I didn’t have the same explosiveness, but I still felt like I could help. At the end, when it popped, I had to get out. I couldn’t walk.”