Bucks avoid worst-case scenario with Antetokounmpo injury update

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Bucks avoid worst-case scenario with Giannis Antetokounmpo injury update

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Dec 4, 2025 1:40 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks may have been holding their breath after star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a non-contact injury on Wednesday night.

Antetokounmpo exited in the first quarter of Milwaukee's 113-109 home win over the Detroit Pistons. He assisted guard AJ Green on a layup and then suddenly fell when jogging back to play defense. The two-time league MVP walked off the court under his own power but was ruled out of the game with a right calf strain.

Luckily for the Bucks and Antetokounmpo, it appears it's just a calf issue and nothing more. On Thursday, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported he's expected to be sidelined for two to four weeks. Teams interested in trading for the star will also be happy to hear the news.

How Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury update impacts the Bucks' plans

Antetokounmpo could soon be leaving Milwaukee. Before Wednesday's game, a report surfaced that he, his agent and the Bucks have been discussing whether he should go elsewhere.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to be sidelined for approximately 2 to 4 weeks with a right calf strain, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/k5TyjEo6Eh
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 4, 2025

Had Antetokounmpo suffered an injury that would've forced him to miss more time, that would've given potential suitors pause. Now that they know the severity of the issue, they should proceed to offer trade packages.

The Bucks (10-13) should keep struggling without the forward. Milwaukee sits at 10th in the Eastern Conference and has gone 2-8 over its past 10 games.

The Bucks lack another player who can replace Antetokounmpo, who leads the team in points (28.9), rebounds (10.1) and assists (6.1). Figure on guard Kevin Porter Jr. — who ranks second on the team in scoring (19.8) — assuming the No. 1 role while the nine-time All-Star is out.

At least Antetokounmpo won't be out for months. That could've derailed the Bucks season and prevented a trade if the team plans to do so.

Antetokounmpo — who led the franchise to its second championship during the 2020-21 season — is a rare talent. If Milwaukee sends him to another club, it must ensure it receives a haul. It wouldn't receive one if he were expected to miss more games.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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