Bucks ‘hoping’ Giannis Antetokounmpo can return for the playoffs
With the start of the playoffs around the corner, the Milwaukee Bucks suffered a significant blow, with star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo suffering a strained left calf.
Antetokoumpo’s left Achilles tendon didn’t suffer any damage, but the injury will keep him off the floor for the final three regular-season games. It occurred on Tuesday night as the former league MVP went down without any contact, which created a stir on social media that it could have potentially been an Achilles issue.
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However, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have dodged a significant bullet. It will now be a situation that will be determined by his pain tolerance as he moves toward the playoffs.
The Bucks are likely eyeing to have him back on the court once the postseason begins. Antetokounmpo will reportedly receive daily treatment and further evaluation.
Head coach Doc Rivers voiced optimism that he will have the All-star back in the playoffs before the first-round series.
“Yeah, I’m hoping,” Rivers said during his pregame media availability Wednesday via ESPN. “I don’t know. I’m just hoping.”
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The Bucks will look to depend more heavily on star point guard Damian Lillard to lead the charge. However, if Antetokounmpo is unable to perform at an elite level, it places more on Lillard to guide the way, especially if the star forward isn’t playing at full strength.
Antetokounmpo will wrap up the 2023-24 campaign, averaging 30.4 points while shooting a career-best 61 percent from the floor, and 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game.
Ultimately, the Bucks will move forward with having Antetokounmpo on the floor in whatever capacity he can.
