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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 07: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Chicago Bulls in the third quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup game at Fiserv Forum on November 07, 2025 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)

The Milwaukee Bucks have been without Giannis Antetokounmpo for the last six games because of a calf injury. When Antetokounmpo went down, it looked like it was worse than just a calf strain. Instead, he was diagnosed with that, meaning he’d miss 2-4 weeks.

Without Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have lost five of their last six games. They are tumbling down the Eastern Conference standings, sitting at 11th. This is not where they want to be, especially because Antetokounmpo has threatened to leave if this team can’t contend for a title.

Ahead of a game against the Pacers, Antetokounmpo has already been ruled out. However, the Bucks did get some good news concerning his progress from his injury.

GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo drives the ball. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

Bucks Get Positive Injury News for Giannis Antetokounmpo

While Antetokounmpo is ruled out against Indiana, he has made some progress. According to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Antetokounmpo has progressed to playing 3-on-3 for the first time since being hurt. That marks some progress, showing he’s getting closer to returning.

If the Bucks are going to have any shot of salvaging their season, Antetokounmpo needs to return soon. Not only that, but they need him to play at an MVP-level. The rest of the roster clearly has not stepped up enough in his absence. He is holding the key to their season in his hands.

Milwaukee is trying desperately to find someone in the trade market who can help Antetokounmpo pull this team back from the brink. Of course, that’s easier said than done. Milwaukee has almost no assets to make a big trade after using them all for Damian Lillard.

With Antetokounmpo continuing to make progress from his injury, he could return within the next couple of weeks. That will give him one last chance to survey the roster around him and determine if he wants to stay or be dealt at the deadline.

GettyMilwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner plays defense. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

The Bucks’ Big Offseason Acquisition has Been Disappointing

Myles Turner was brought into the fold in the offseason as their prized acquisition. He signed a four-year deal worth $108.9 million over the summer. He was brought in to be the second-best player on the team. Instead, the deal looks like a disaster so far.

Turner’s stats are down across the board from what he put up with the Pacers last season. He has the worst net rating of his career. With that signing not panning out, the Bucks need Antetokounmpo on the court more than ever.

It’s clear that Turner benefits greatly from having a point guard who can set him up and get wide-open shots. Milwaukee doesn’t have a pass-first point guard on the roster. In fact, Antetokounmpo plays point forward for the team a fair amount.

Without anyone feeding him shots, it has been tough for Turner. How the team plays once Antetokounmpo returns will determine how the rest of the season, and possibly Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee, plays out.

Ryan Stano Ryan Stano covers the NBA for Heavy.com. He has been covering sports since 2017, covering the NFL, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated. More about Ryan Stano

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