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Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Out Rest of Regular Season with Strained Calf Injury

Mike Chiari@@mikechiariX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVApril 10, 2024

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 07: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball during the first half against the New York Knicks at Fiserv Forum on April 07, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss the final three games of the regular season with a calf injury, diagnosed as a strain:

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks

MEDICAL UPDATE: Giannis Antetokounmpo left last night's win vs. Boston in the third quarter with a left soleus (calf) injury.<br><br>Antetokounmpo underwent an MRI last night that confirmed the diagnosis of a left soleus (calf) strain. He will miss the remaining three games of the…

Giannis has largely stayed healthy this season, but he gave the Bucks a scare on Tuesday when he exited their game against the Boston Celtics with a non-contact injury.

There was initially concern that Antetokounmpo was dealing with something major, such as a torn Achilles, but ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski later reported that he had suffered a calf strain.

Giannis will finish the season averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game—MVP-caliber numbers, to be sure.

The 29-year-old veteran has been named an All-Star in each of the past eight seasons, plus he is a two-time NBA MVP, one-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, one-time NBA champion and one-time NBA Finals MVP.

With Giannis leading the way, the Bucks are currently second in the Eastern Conference with a 48-31 record, putting them in prime position to potentially go on a deep playoff run.

Their ability to do so will almost certainly depend on Giannis' health, however, since he is the one player who makes the Bucks go.

Milwaukee does boast a deep and talented roster beyond Antetokounmpo, but it will take a group effort to make up for his absence if he continues to miss time.

All-Star guard Damian Lillard will be the Bucks' unquestioned go-to guy on the offensive end until Giannis returns, while Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez and Malik Beasley will be tasked with stepping up as well.