NBA Rumors: 'Real Doubt' on Giannis' Status for Bucks vs. Pacers Playoffs Amid Injury

There is "real doubt" about Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo's status for the opening round of the playoffs as he deals with a calf injury, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Stadium.

Milwaukee opens its first-round series against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.

Antetokounmpo missed the final three games of the regular season with the calf injury, although he avoided a much more significant Achilles injury after there was some concern when he left a game against the Boston Celtics with a non-contact injury.

The two-time MVP was excellent once again in 2023-24 and averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 61.1 percent from the field.

His presence is a major reason the Bucks have championship aspirations even if the team dealt with some inconsistency throughout the campaign.

While Milwaukee can rely on Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton to carry the offense for extended stretches, it likely needs Antetokounmpo on the floor and stuffing the stat sheet as a matchup nightmare if it is going to deliver on those championship hopes.

Look for head coach Doc Rivers to turn toward Bobby Portis and Jae Crowder for more minutes, though, if Antetokounmpo is forced to miss time with this latest setback.