Bucks Star Suffers Right Calf Injury
The Milwaukee Bucks had their full roster intact for only two games before Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a right calf strain that could sideline him for up to four weeks. The injury occurred just minutes into the Bucks’ 113-109 win over the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 3, prompting immediate concern after the two-time MVP fell to the floor following a baseline drive and jump pass.
Head coach Doc Rivers said the team ruled out an Achilles tear by the time he addressed reporters. Early assessments align with a lower-grade strain, consistent with reporting from ESPN and The Athletic.
Past Injuries and Current Timeline
Antetokounmpo has dealt with calf strains twice before, though both instances affected his left leg. He missed two weeks during the 2024–25 season and four weeks at the end of 2023–24, including the Bucks’ first-round playoff loss to Indiana.
This new injury came amid a strong start to his season, with the 31-year-old averaging 28.9 points on 63.9 percent shooting, along with 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game.
Award Eligibility Now at Risk
The injury could have major implications for Antetokounmpo’s streak of nine straight All-Star and All-NBA selections. Under the NBA’s updated award qualification rules, players must appear in at least 65 games, with only two exceptions allowing 15-minute appearances to count toward the minimum.
Before the calf strain, he had already missed seven games due to a knee issue and a left adductor strain. His 13-minute outing against Cleveland on Nov. 17 does not qualify as a game played. If recovery extends to four weeks, Antetokounmpo could miss at least 11 additional games, making him ineligible for MVP, All-NBA, or Defensive Player of the Year consideration.
Understanding Calf Strains
A calf strain occurs when the muscle in the back of the lower leg is stretched or torn, often due to abrupt movement or overexertion. Severity varies, with recovery timelines ranging from days to several weeks depending on the grade of the injury.
For the Bucks, the focus now shifts to maintaining momentum without their franchise cornerstone — and for Antetokounmpo, the priority becomes returning healthy while his historic award streaks hang in the balance.