Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Out for Game 2 Due to Lingering Calf Strain, but Offers Optimism on Return

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star forward of the Milwaukee Bucks, has been sidelined for Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers due to a lingering left calf strain. This injury has also kept him out of Game 1 and the Bucks’ last three regular-season games. However, Antetokounmpo was seen shooting and practicing on the court before the game, giving hope that he is getting closer to returning.

During an April 9 game against the Boston Celtics, Antetokounmpo suffered this injury while struggling to run up the court in the third quarter. Since then, he has not played in any games. Despite his absence, the Bucks have managed a 6-5 record in matches where he was absent this season. In Game 1 against the Pacers, Damian Lillard stepped up with an impressive 35 points scored, all in the first half.

Antetokounmpo has a history of dealing with injuries in postseason games. In 2020, he missed the final 1 1/2 games of a second-round loss against Miami due to a sprained ankle. He also sat out the last two games of the 2021 Eastern Conference finals because of a hyperextended knee but made a triumphant return to lead