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The Milwaukee Bucks witnessed a scary injury during their April 9 game against the Boston Celtics. Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a spontaneous calf injury, which was later called a soleus injury.
While talking with reporters, Rivers provided an update on Antetokounmpo’s injury. Rivers told reporters that the Bucks’ star would have an MRI, and he left the building, per The Athletic’s Eric Nehm’s X account.
Per Jamal Collier’s X account, Rivers admitted both his concern and optimism surrounding Antetokounmpo’s injury.
“That’s a good question. High. But he’s Giannis. I think everyone probably feels the same way as I do right now. We’re just going hope for the best.”
The Bucks will get more information on Antetokounmpo as more time passes. It’s not clear if he’ll be out for the next several weeks or if he’ll be available for their next game against the Orlando Magic on April 10.
Antetokounmpo’s absence did not prove to be a problem for the Bucks. They prevailed against the Celtics anyway, winning 104-89, which helps their chances of securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. However, if Antetokounmpo’s injury is a problem, this could be trouble for the Bucks’ playoff hopes.
DeMarcus Cousins Expresses Hope for Giannis Antetokounmpo
After Giannis suffered the injury, former Buck DeMarcus Cousins explained why he was optimistic that the Bucks star would be fine via his X account.
“The fact Giannis is walking on his leg is a good sign. Seems more like a calf strain then the A word. Hoping for the best,” Cousins wrote.
The “A word” that Cousins mentions is in reference to an Achilles injury. An Achilles injury is among the very worst a basketball player can suffer because of how long the recovery time is and the long-term ramifications it has on a player. Players who suffer those tears then become more susceptible to more injuries down the line.
Cousins himself knows this firsthand, as he suffered an Achilles injury while playing for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2018. From then on, Cousins was a shell of his former self, as he never came close to returning to his All-Star form when he came back. Even worse, he proved himself to be injury-prone.
He never played more than 48 games after that and was out of the league by 2022. He played 17 games of his last NBA season with the Bucks.
Doctor Details Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Injury on X
The TNT broadcast revealed that Antetokounmpo suffered a soleus injury. InStreetClothes’ Jeff Stotts detailed more about what a soleus injury is and what the timetable would be via his X account.
“The soleus is a part of the calf muscle complex. The average time lost for strains specified as a soleus injury is ~17 days (6 games). Other players to suffer soleus strains include Giannis’ brother Thanasis and teammate Damian Lillard.”
Since the Bucks won’t be in the play-in, they may not have to worry about Giannis’ absence hurting them. That, however, depends on whether Giannis truly suffered a soleus injury. It may turn out to be better than the initial diagnosis or it may be worse.
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