ESPN: Giannis refuses Bucks’ requests to be shut down for the rest of the season
According to ESPN reports, the Bucks want to shut down Antetokounmpo for the remainder of the season after his latest injury and their current playoff odds, but the two-time MVP is adamant about returning this season.
Updated: 5:05 PM CDT Mar 18, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has refused the team’s requests for him to be shut down for the remainder of the season after his latest injury, according to ESPN’s senior NBA insider Shams Charania.Over the last week, Antetokounmpo has suffered a hyper-extended left knee/bone bruise and a left ankle sprain. Head coach Doc Rivers said Tuesday that imaging on his knee showed no structural damage. There’s no clear timetable for his return, but ESPN sources are saying it’s not considered season-ending and he intends to play again this year.On top of the most recent injuries, Antetokounmpo has also dealt with a lingering calf injury and a groin injury earlier in the season.The 31-year-old has missed 32 games this season, the most in his career.As of Wednesday evening, the Bucks are 11th in the Eastern Conference. They are trailing the Charlotte Hornets by 6.5 games for 10th place and the final spot in the play-in tournament.According to ESPN reports, the Bucks want to shut down Antetokounmpo for the remainder of the season after his latest injury, given their playoff hopes. However, the two-time MVP has refused the team’s requests and wants to play again. The sides have had multiple meetings over the last 24 hours, but he has remained adamant about returning this season. He doesn’t believe he’s risking any further injury.Milwaukee is 11-21 without Giannis this season and 17-19 when he plays. Top HeadlinesWoman with no license, 6 children in car, charged in deadly West Milwaukee hit-and-runBrewers players win World Baseball Classic with VenezuelaFranklin Common Council approves music festivals at The Rock despite noise complaintsWATCH Downtown Milwaukee steakhouse announces sudden closure
MILWAUKEE —
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has refused the team’s requests for him to be shut down for the remainder of the season after his latest injury, according to ESPN’s senior NBA insider Shams Charania.
Over the last week, Antetokounmpo has suffered a hyper-extended left knee/bone bruise and a left ankle sprain. Head coach Doc Rivers said Tuesday that imaging on his knee showed no structural damage. There’s no clear timetable for his return, but ESPN sources are saying it’s not considered season-ending and he intends to play again this year.
On top of the most recent injuries, Antetokounmpo has also dealt with a lingering calf injury and a groin injury earlier in the season.
The 31-year-old has missed 32 games this season, the most in his career.
As of Wednesday evening, the Bucks are 11th in the Eastern Conference. They are trailing the Charlotte Hornets by 6.5 games for 10th place and the final spot in the play-in tournament.
According to ESPN reports, the Bucks want to shut down Antetokounmpo for the remainder of the season after his latest injury, given their playoff hopes. However, the two-time MVP has refused the team’s requests and wants to play again. The sides have had multiple meetings over the last 24 hours, but he has remained adamant about returning this season. He doesn’t believe he’s risking any further injury.
Milwaukee is 11-21 without Giannis this season and 17-19 when he plays.
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