Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss the NBA All-Star Game due to a left calf strain, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. His absence means he will not participate in his ninth consecutive All-Star appearance, disappointing Bucks fans and the league.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will be sidelined through the next week due to a mild calf strain and will miss the NBA All-Star Game next Sunday, sources tell ESPN. Antetokounmpo, out since Feb. 2, is expected to return to action shortly after All-Star break. pic.twitter.com/wl8Lu6yWNq
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 9, 2025
Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miss All-Star Game Due to Calf Injury
Antetokounmpo has not played since February 2 and remains out for Milwaukee’s upcoming games against the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves. This extends his absence to at least six straight contests. Reports suggest the two-time MVP expects to return shortly after the break, with the Bucks’ first game back scheduled for February 20 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
His absence comes at a crucial time for the Bucks, who have dropped six of their last eight games and fallen to fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Despite the team’s struggles, Antetokounmpo continues to dominate this season, averaging 31.8 points per game (second in the NBA behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) on 60.8% shooting, along with 12.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game. His presence on both ends of the floor has been crucial, making his extended absence even more concerning for the Bucks’ playoff positioning.
Who Steps Up for Milwaukee?
With Antetokounmpo sidelined, Bobby Portis, Damian Lillard, and newly acquired forward Kyle Kuzma must step up. Portis has already delivered strong performances in Giannis’ absence, posting 23 points, 17 rebounds, and five assists against Charlotte, followed by 26 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists against Atlanta.
Kuzma, acquired before the trade deadline, has an opportunity to make a greater impact as he settles into Milwaukee’s system. In his debut, he scored 12 first half points but struggled in the second half. The Bucks need him to be more consistent during this stretch without their franchise star.
Giannis Will Need To Be Replaced In All-Star Game
Antetokounmpo’s missing the All-Star Game opens a roster spot for an Eastern Conference replacement, sparking speculation among fans. Several deserving players who were initially snubbed could receive the nod, depending on the NBA’s decision.
Some fans worry about Giannis’ injury history, while others view this break as a strategic move to ensure he returns at full strength for the season’s final stretch. Regardless, the Bucks must find a way to stay afloat without their superstar and regain momentum in the playoff race. With a tough stretch of games ahead, Milwaukee’s ability to compete without Antetokounmpo will be a major test for the team’s depth and resilience.
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