Giannis ruled out of All-Star Game, Bucks eye post-break return

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss the NBA All-Star Game due to a left calf strain, with head coach Doc Rivers confirming on Sunday that the forward is unlikely to return before February 20.

Antetokounmpo, 30, has been sidelined for the past week and missed his fourth consecutive game as the Bucks faced the Philadelphia 76ers. His absence is expected to extend to at least six games, with Milwaukee set to face the Golden State Warriors on Monday and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.

“We’ve just been monitoring it, and it just hasn’t improved enough for us to play him,” Rivers said. “If this was a playoff game, would he play? Probably yes. But this is not, and we want to make sure he’s playing in the playoffs.

“We would love to have him, but you’ve still got to be smart. At the end of the day, I think it’s more important to get him healthy.”

The Bucks are hoping Antetokounmpo will be fit to return when they resume their season after the All-Star break, with their next game scheduled at home against the Los Angeles Clippers on February 20.

The Greek forward has been instrumental for Milwaukee this season, ranking second in the NBA with an average of 31.8 points per game while also contributing 12.2 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks.

Without Antetokounmpo in the lineup, the Bucks have struggled, posting a 4-5 record in his absence. They currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference at 27-23 and have lost six of their past eight games.

(Source: AFP)