Bucks Announce Giannis Antetokounmpo Development Before Raptors Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 5:03 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks’ 2025–26 season got off to a strong start on Wednesday. Milwaukee opened with a win against the Washington Wizards at home, taking the first game of the year by a final score of 133–120. Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo had a dominant debut in his 13th NBA season. The 30-year-old Greek star finished with 37 points, 14 rebounds and five assists while shooting 61.5% from the field.

Antetokounmpo has continued to be one of the most physically overwhelming athletes in the league and will look to build on the dominance he displayed last year. He remains one of the NBA’s best finishers at the rim, routinely attacking defenders and controlling his body to score or earn trips to the free-throw line.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34)© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

As Antetokounmpo prepares for Friday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, his health remains worth monitoring. He was listed as questionable for the season opener against the Wizards due to lower back soreness. Fortunately, he suited up and the injury was removed from Milwaukee’s report on Thursday. However, the Bucks announced a new development, noting that Antetokounmpo is now dealing with a sprained left big toe. He’s listed as probable, indicating the issue isn’t serious at the moment, but it marks another setback after just one game played.

Antetokounmpo’s health remains central to Milwaukee’s hopes of staying competitive in the Eastern Conference. The organization stretched and waived the final years of Damian Lillard’s contract this offseason to create cap space for signing center Myles Turner. The Bucks are in win-now mode, aiming to maximize their current window with Antetokounmpo in his prime.

Antetokounmpo has ranked in the top five of MVP voting for seven consecutive seasons, winning the award in 2019 and 2020. He’s a nine-time All-Star, five-time All-Defensive selection and has earned nine All-NBA honors. In 2021, he led Milwaukee to its first championship in 50 years and claimed Finals MVP. Still chasing a second ring, Antetokounmpo enters 2026 with a retooled roster around him. His injury status remains a key storyline as the season unfolds.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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