BREAKING: Bucks HC Doc Rivers shares troubling injury update on Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks faced their worst fears on Sunday when head coach Doc Rivers announced that star Giannis Antetokounmpo would sit out Game 1 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.

While the news wasn’t unexpected for the Bucks, the way Rivers delivered it raised concerns about Antetokounmpo’s status going forward. Speaking to reporters, Rivers mentioned that the two-time MVP has shown improvement in his rehab from a left calf injury but admitted uncertainty about when he could return.

As the playoffs neared, it was anticipated that Antetokounmpo might miss the start of the Pacers series but return before its conclusion. However, recent developments suggest a more uncertain timeline.

Doc Rivers says Giannis Antetokounmpo is out for the game. Doesn't have a sense of when he's coming back yet. Says he does look better

— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) April 21, 2024

Insider Shams Charania reported on Friday that Antetokounmpo could be sidelined for two to four weeks. Charania highlighted the potential risks of rushing his return, emphasizing the need for caution to prevent aggravating the calf injury.

“The last thing the Bucks and Giannis would want is for him to get back and rushed onto the floor with a calf injury not being 100%,” Charania cautioned.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Antetokounpo’s return, the Bucks must adapt to playing without him. Fortunately, with an experienced roster featuring several NBA champions, Milwaukee appears prepared for the challenge.

All-Star point guard Damian Lillard expressed confidence in the team’s ability to succeed without their leader, noting the team’s depth and capability to win games even in Antetokounpo’s absence.

“It’s the best team I’ve been on. So we’re capable. We can win games,” Lillard remarked to Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “And when we get (Antetokounmpo) back, we’ll be even better. So I think that’s how I’m looking at it.”