Giannis Antetokounmpo has said that his calf injury could sideline him for anywhere from four to six weeks. Considering the two-time MVP’s past struggles with calf injuries, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has emphasized that no definitive timetable for his return has been established.
“There’s really no timetable,” remarked the Bucks head coach via ESPN.
Rivers stated that the Bucks have not discussed shutting down Giannis Antetokounmpo for the rest of the season, despite his ongoing calf injury concerns.
“There’s no thought to that. But listen, there’s no timetable either,” Rivers continued.
The Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury problems
Dec 3, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) goes down with an injury against the Detroit Pistons in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Antetokounmpo showed visible discomfort during Friday’s loss to the Denver Nuggets, playing with his right calf heavily wrapped. He left the game with 34 seconds remaining and is expected to miss multiple upcoming contests.
Earlier this season, Giannis sat out eight games with a right calf strain, and left calf injuries sidelined him during the 2024 playoffs and the 2025 All-Star Game. This most recent setback marks the fourth calf-related issue he has faced over the past three seasons.
Nov 1, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts with guard Ryan Rollins (13) after scoring a basket in the 3rd quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The injury arrives at a difficult moment for the Bucks, which has dropped five of its last six games and now sits 11th in the Eastern Conference with an 18-26 record. The Bucks have struggled noticeably in Antetokounmpo’s absence, going 3-11 in the games he has missed.
The Bucks’ injury woes go beyond Antetokounmpo, as second-leading scorer Kevin Porter Jr. has also missed the last two games with an oblique strain. Even so, Giannis has only played 30 games this season, leaving him well short of the 65-game threshold required for league awards, which represents another setback for the Greek Freak.