168 articles

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
1 day ago
Having missed five weeks with a strained right calf, the second time this season that he’s suffered that injury, Antetokounmpo was under a minutes limit on Monday. He played 25 minutes against the Celtics, and the fact that the game was a blowout also factored into Giannis’ playing time. The Bucks were above .500 without their best player, but the team’s chemistry appeared off on Monday, an unsurprising development due to the lack of practice time. Antetokounmpo will look to bounce back on Wednesday against the Hawks.

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
1 day ago
Giannis is good to go for Monday’s game, which will be his first since January 23. During his pregame availability, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said that he expects the former league MVP to be under a minutes restriction, but did not provide an exact number. Giannis’s return means that Kyle Kuzma will come off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
2 days ago
Giannis last played on January 23, so he’ll surely face a minutes restriction in his first game back in over a month. Antetokounmpo’s return should mean less run for Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis, but managers rostering Kuz or Portis shouldn’t drop them immediately.
Source: Shams Charania

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
4 days ago
Antetokounmpo is not ready to return to action after suffering his second right calf strain of the season in late January. His continued absence means that Kyle Kuzma will stay in the starting lineup, raising his fantasy ceiling.
Source: NBA Injury Report

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
18 days ago
Giannis has been sidelined since straining his right calf for the second time this season during a January 23 loss to the Nuggets. At the time, he set a four-to-six-week timeline, and the former league MVP is on the right path. “I feel like the break doesn’t help, because now I gotta get on the court, I gotta play some 1-on-1, 3-on-3, 5 vs. 5,” Antetokounmpo said Saturday. “Players are on vacation right now, so it’s kinda hard for me to do that. “So once I check all those boxes, I’m ready to go. I feel like I can play a game today.” Giannis has made it clear he will play again this season. And the Bucks’ wins over Orlando and Oklahoma City heading into the All-Star break likely sparked optimism about the team’s chances of earning a playoff berth once they get their star forward back.
Source: Milwaukee Bucks

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
26 days ago
While Giannis gave himself a timeline of four to six weeks for his return, the Bucks offered no such guarantees. Based on Rivers’ words on Friday, the Bucks star may be able to return sooner than anticipated. Just as notable for fantasy managers was Rivers’ shooting down the notion that the Bucks would consider shutting down their star forward. For now, managers should take Doc at his word but also remain ready to pivot if Giannis’ minutes decline sharply.
Source: Jackson Gross

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
27 days ago
Despite all the reports that Milwaukee was looking to move Giannis, they will keep him through the season, though managers shouldn’t expect to see him often. He’s currently sidelined with a calf injury, and there is no reason for them to rush him back. Of course, this isn’t going to quiet any trade rumors, and teams will be revisiting a potential deal this offseason.
Source: Shams Charania

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 1 month ago
The Bucks have struggled mightily without Antetokounmpo this season, going just 3-12 in games that he missed. The Bucks are 12th in the Eastern Conference standings at 18-27, and their season could get even worse as Giannis has no timetable to return. Milwaukee is incentivized to trade Antetokounmpo, but according to Charania, the team will be patient and wait to move him until the offseason if it feels that a better package will be available. We may have already seen the last of Giannis in a Bucks uniform.
Source: Shams Charania

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 1 month ago
According to Nehm, Rivers said, “He did a very good job. MRI has revealed exactly what we thought. There’s no timetable. Calf strain and really no timetable for return. Hopefully, like it was before, sooner (than later), but there’s no timetable.” That’s certainly a divergence from Giannis’ initial four-to-six-week estimate. Until Antetokounmpo returns, Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma will share duties at PF.
Source: Eric Nehm

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 1 month ago
While it’s unclear when exactly Antetokounmpo suffered the injury during Friday night’s loss to the Nuggets, the 31-year-old power forward didn’t mince words in his postgame media availability. Antetokounmpo said he expects the MRI, which is scheduled for Saturday, to show that he popped something in his calf and that he won’t return before the end of February at the earliest. While the injury is potentially devastating for fantasy managers, it also has major implications on the Bucks’ playoff hopes. Milwaukee is currently two and a half games behind Atlanta for the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference and will have to find a way to tread water without their star player for at least the next month.
Source: Shams Charania

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 1 month ago
Antetokounmpo’s total shot attempts were low, once again. Aside from the three minutes he logged in an earlier contest against Detroit, in which he exited early with an injury, Antetokounmpo finished with under 10 shot attempts for the first time all season. He did get to the line a fair amount, which helped him tally over 20 points and lead the Bucks in scoring. But perhaps the most important development from Friday’s game was Antetokounmpo’s health: he left with a leg injury in the final minute and did not return. His status moving forward could have major implications.

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 1 month ago
The Bucks were on the wrong end of their fourth defeat in five games, with Giannis leading the way offensively. He remains under a minutes restriction, but the Bucks continue to battle inconsistency with the trade deadline two weeks away. While Giannis may not be on the move, the team around him likely needs to change if Milwaukee is to entertain any thoughts of being a factor come playoff time.

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 1 month ago
Antetokounmpo’s playing time is still being restricted, with the Bucks’ forward limited to 30 minutes on Monday. The good news for fantasy managers was that Giannis still recorded a robust stat line, with the low free-throw percentage being the only issue. However, most fantasy managers understand that the poor foul shooting comes with the territory when rostering Antetokounmpo.

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 1 month ago
With the change to the All-Star Game format, starters are announced by conference, with no regard to position. Giannis led the way among Eastern Conference vote-getters, and he’ll be a starter for the World squad in next month’s All-Star Game in Inglewood, California. Brunson, Cunningham, Maxey and Brown will represent one of the two United States teams.
Source: NBA

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 2 months ago
An uncompetitive game left Antetokounmpo with just 22 minutes of game action on Thursday. Before subbing out for the final time, the former league MVP shot well from the field and did what he could on the defensive end. Yet, his effort wasn’t enough to prevent a lopsided loss. The Bucks have now lost three straight games and own a 17-24 record. Antetokounmpo will have a chance to help end the losing streak on Monday against the Hawks.

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 2 months ago
Antetokounmpo was upgraded from probable to available ahead of Thursday’s contest, giving the Bucks their best offensive threat against the Spurs. The former league MVP is averaging 29.1 points, 9.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game so far this season. He’ll have a chance to outproduce another top fantasy basketball option in Victor Wembanyama.
Source: NBA Injury Report

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 2 months ago
Antetokounmpo has been diagnosed with a sprained left ankle, but the probable tag is encouraging. If he’s unable to play, the Bucks will likely call on Kyle Kuzma to fill the void.
Source: NBA Injury Report

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 2 months ago
Antetokounmpo and the Bucks were simply overmatched against the Timberwolves Tuesday. Milwaukee found themselves down 31 points at halftime and eventually lost by 33. Antetokounmpo was efficient with 25 points on 13 field goal attempts, but failed to get his teammates involved with seven turnovers and just five assists. He’s still a fantasy superstar, but he’s not going to hit his ceiling in a game as lopsided as Tuesday’s. The Bucks are off until Thursday, when they take on the Spurs.

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 2 months ago
Antetokounmpo fell two boards shy of his first triple-double of the season, recording a monster all-around performance as Milwaukee fell to 17-22 overall on the year. The omnipresent trade chatter will likely ramp up in the coming weeks, especially if the Bucks continue to struggle. The 31-year-old fantasy superstar, who has scored at least 30 points in five of his last six games, is averaging 29.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks through 25 games this season. The Bucks are back in action with a quick two-game week that features matchups against the Timberwolves and Spurs.

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 2 months ago
Giannis came up with the biggest defensive play of Friday’s game, as he poked the ball away from LeBron James in the final seconds to prevent the Lakers’ forward from attempting a potential game-tying layup. While Antetokounmpo’s shot volume was low, he shot the ball efficiently from the field and the foul line. Having seemingly put to rest any rumors regarding his future in Milwaukee, the question now is what (if anything) the Bucks will look to do to strengthen the roster around Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline. Regardless of the answer, he’ll still provide excellent fantasy value.

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 2 months ago
Antetokounmpo played 31 minutes on Wednesday and collected his fourth straight 30-point double-double. Efficient shooting keyed his success, and a pair of three-pointers also added to his overall fantasy production on the night. He finished as the only Milwaukee player with double-digit rebounds and was the only one to score more than 16 points. Antetokounmpo continues to do the heavy lifting for the Bucks — their success depends on it, which is great news for fantasy basketball managers.

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 2 months ago
Usually, the approach of having Giannis earn his points at the foul line results in him leaving some points on the board, given his poor shooting at the free-throw line. Well, that approach didn’t work for the Kings, as he made 11 of his 13 attempts on the night. Add in an elite shooting performance from the field, and the Bucks superstar finished with his third 30-point double-double in as many appearances. While Milwaukee’s not playing again until Wednesday is bad news for fantasy managers, it does get Giannis a little more time to deal with his right calf.

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 2 months ago
Initially probable for Sunday’s game, Antetokounmpo will take on his usual role as the focal point of the Bucks’ offensive attack. And given Sacramento’s defensive struggles, Giannis could be in for a big night.
Source: NBA Injury Report

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
about 2 months ago
The Bucks are still managing Antetokounmpo’s workload due to the right calf injury he sustained last month, but the probable tag suggests he will be available. If Giannis can’t play, Bobby Portis would be back in the starting lineup, raising his fantasy ceiling.
Source: NBA Injury Report

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
2 months ago
Antetokounmpo delivered the game-winner on an alley-oop slam with five seconds left in regulation, reaching the lofty 30-point plateau in the process. The 31-year-old fantasy superstar has scored 24 points or more in four consecutive contests since returning from injury last week and has notched back-to-back double-double performances. He shot 61 percent from the floor in this one with all 18 of his attempts coming from inside the arc. Perhaps the most impressive element of this effort was that he went a perfect 8-of-8 from the charity stripe.

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
2 months ago
Antetokounmpo was initially listed as probable for right calf injury management reasons, so his availability doesn’t come as a surprise. The 31-year-old power forward is coming off a 33-point performance against the Wizards on Wednesday and has another good matchup against the Hornets on Friday.

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
2 months ago
Antetokounmpo logged just 28 minutes against the Wizards as he eases his way back from a calf injury. Still, he managed to reach the 30-point mark and tally double-digit rebounds for the first time in over a month. The former league MVP failed to accumulate any stocks in this game, however, and was inconsistent from the line. Otherwise, his night was encouraging, and his performances moving forward should remain strong as his minutes increase.

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
2 months ago
Antetokounmpo was still on a minutes restriction in his second game since returning from a three-week absence due to a right calf strain. The 31-year-old’s production has been excellent while only playing 25 minutes in each game. Giannis capped off the victory against the Hornets with a dunk over Brandon Miller despite being fouled with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter. The Bucks will be back on the court Wednesday against the Wizards.

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
2 months ago
Antetokounmpo didn’t show any signs of rust in his first game action since December 3 after an eight-game absence due to a right calf strain. He dropped 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting in the first half and nearly reached the lofty 30-point plateau in just 24 minutes. He also uncorked a windmill dunk in the final seconds with the game in hand that drew a strong reaction from the Bulls and led to a benches-clearing incident. It seems likely he’ll have a bit of a minutes restriction for at least a couple additional games but it’s a welcome development for fantasy managers to get him back in the lineup. The Bucks have four games on tap next week including a pair against the Hornets in addition to the Wizards and Kings.

MIL • Power Forward, Small Forward, Point Guard, and Shooting Guard • #34
2 months ago
Giannis is back in the Bucks’ lineup after missing more than three weeks with a strained calf. His return prompts two changes to the starting lineup. Rollins has returned to the starting five to provide more shooting/playmaking off of Giannis, while Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma head to the bench.
Source: NBA Lineups