Milwaukee Bucks fans can breathe a sigh of relief after learning that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s calf injury is not as severe as initially thought. An MRI revealed that there is no damage to his Achilles tendon, only a calf strain. This news, first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, has been confirmed by other sources.
The fact that there is no significant damage is a win for both the Bucks and their MVP candidate. Antetokounmpo’s injury specifically affects his left soleus muscle, which typically requires a little over two weeks of recovery time. This timeline would likely cause him to miss a few games in the first round of the playoffs, but he may still be able to return before the conference semifinals.
The impact of his absence will depend on the Bucks’ first-round opponent. Facing strong teams like the Philadelphia 76ers without their MVP player could be a challenge. Throughout the season, the Bucks have struggled when Antetokounmpo is off the court. His presence on the court has been crucial to their success and without him, they may struggle to keep up with their opponents.
Despite this setback, it remains speculative whether Antetokounmpo will be able to return for the playoffs. Calf injuries can be delicate and prone to re-injury, but Antetokounmpo is known for his strong work ethic and determination. He may push himself to recover in time to rejoin his team on the court before the conference semifinals or even earlier if possible.
