Giannis Antetokounmpo Expected to Miss Early Playoff Games with Calf Strain, Possible Return Later

The Milwaukee Bucks have to face the reality of starting their playoff run without the franchise’s figurehead, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is yet to come back from a calf strain. ESPN expert Adrian Wojnarowski, rising as the authority for NBA news, reveals that the two-time MVP will unlikely feature in the opening games of their Western Conference playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Nevertheless, the personality of the Bucks staff is confirmed, and perhaps Antetokounmpo will return to the game as the playoffs move forward.

Antetokounmpo got injured with a calf strain when the Bucks overcame the Boston Celtics on April 9 and had to leave the game before the end of the third quarter due to landing with awkward force on his leg. However, despite the initial concerns, the injury was diagnosed as a calf strain, which eliminated the probability of anything of the sort being taken off. While he is making progress toward his restoration stage, the recovery process has taken more time than was expected, hence he missed out on the team’s last regular-season games.

The absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo in most games and defensive weak spots against the Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder favoured the Buck’s process for the higher seed playoff. Despite their efforts, however, they could not attain the performative truth. EC seed No. 3 as they slid from second place to the third seed in the Eastern Conference standings.

However, the Bucks face a dilemma as the possibility of Antetokounmpo’s participation in the Pacers’ games remains unclear. He is the player the team needs most to make things more efficient, but as he gets intensive treatment on his calf, the team has to face the vivid possibility of playing without this talismanic forward against the Pacers. The Bucks feel confident that Antetokounmpo might come back in one way or another, even if it’s a bit later in the series, which would certainly help them carry on to the next stage in the playoffs.

In the wake of the injury, the Milwaukee Bucks’ eyes on the main prize remain intact as they prepare to battle against the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs on Saturday. Whether with Antetokounmpoi on the court or not, the Bucks are set to contend with full strength for playoff accomplishment.