Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo Might Not Be Ready at the Start of the NBA Playoffs

(Photo : Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)) MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 09: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Jrue Holiday #4 of the Boston Celtics during a game at Fiserv Forum on April 09, 2024 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

The Milwaukee Bucks have been dealt a significant blow with the injury of their star player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who will now be sidelined through the final two games of the Bucks' regular season and potentially early in the postseason due to a calf strain.

In the Bucks' win over the Boston Celtics on April 9th, Giannis Antetokounmpo went down with a non-contact injury in his lower left leg after inbounding the ball.

An MRI confirmed a strain of his left soleus (calf). With just about a week remaining until the NBA Playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks will try to hold onto the second seed in the NBA Eastern Conference.

Here is the broadcast video of Giannis' injury. 😬 https://t.co/Ma2BLZCqAi pic.twitter.com/d4YYHbQHic
— Karley Marotta (@Karley_Marotta) April 10, 2024

Milwaukee Bucks NBA Playoff Hopes After Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury

There is an uncertainty about whether or not Giannis Antetokounmpo will be able to return for the Milwaukee Bucks in time for the start of the NBA Playoffs, leaving the team and fans in suspense.

The Milwaukee Bucks released this statement saying that Antetokounmpo would receive daily treatment and will be further evaluated leading up to the NBA Playoffs, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Charania also revealed that Antetokounmpo's return would depend on the healing and the rehabbing of the strain. The injury timeline for this calf strain could sideline Giannis Antetokounmpo for the beginning of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

The Bucks are currently the No.2 seed in the NBA Eastern Conference with a record of 49-31. With two games remaining in the NBA regular season, the Bucks have a one and a half game lead over the New York Knicks for the second seed in the East.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are now two games behind the Milwaukee Bucks. The Cavaliers hold the division record tiebreaker over the Bucks, as Milwaukee has now won two games in a row after going on a four game slide.

Milwaukee has one more matchup with the Orlando Magic followed by a game with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Bucks are also 3-3 in games without Giannis Antetokounmpo in the lineup.

Giannis Antetokounmpo will "receive daily treatment and evaluation" but there are no guarantees on his potential availability for the Milwaukee Bucks at start of the NBA Playoffs.