How long is Giannis Antetokounmpo out? Wrist injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Bucks star

Gilbert McGregor

How long is Giannis Antetokounmpo out? Wrist injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Bucks star image

The Bucks are the NBA's hottest team, but they had to hold their breath after an injury to Giannis Antetokounmpo.

On Thursday, Feb. 16, Milwaukee faced Chicago in search of their 12th-consecutive win. While the Bucks would ultimately get the victory, Antetokounmpo exited early with an apparent wrist injury, a potential setback to Milwaukee's pursuit of the Eastern Conference's top seed.

What's next for the two-time MVP? The Sporting News has you covered with the latest on Antetokounmpo's injury and what it means moving forward.

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What is Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury?

Early in the second quarter of Milwaukee's win over the Bulls, Antetokounmpo collided with the stanchion after attempting to block a shot. The Bucks ruled him out for the remainder of the game with a sprained right wrist.

Here is the play where Antetokounpmo suffered the injury:

Antetokounmpo was limited to just nine minutes of action, registering two points, seven rebounds and three assists in his time on the floor.

How long will Giannis Antetokounmpo be out?

Antetokounmpo will be available — and return to the starting lineup — for Friday's game against the Heat.

At All-Star Weekend, Antetokounmpo was held out of the Skills Challenge and, as captain of Team Giannis, only played for 20 seconds in the All-Star Game, indicating that plenty of cautious measures are being taken.

Following the All-Star Game, ESPN's Tim Bontemps reported that Antetokounmpo would travel to New York on Monday, Feb. 20, to undergo further testing on his wrist.

On Monday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Antetokounmpo suffered a sprained ligament in his right wrist and will "undergo treatment with the expectation that he'll be able to return to the lineup once the pain subsides."

Turns out, he has already overcome the pain and will be ready to go for the Bucks in their first game since the break.

Here is Milwaukee's upcoming schedule.

Date Opponent Time (ET) National TV
Feb. 24 vs. Heat 7:30 p.m. ESPN
Feb. 26 vs. Suns 1 p.m. ABC
Feb. 28 at Nets 7:30 p.m.
March 1 vs. Magic 8 p.m.
March 4 vs. 76ers 8:30 p.m. ABC

Giannis Antetokounmpo career stats, highlights

  • 22.5 points per game
  • 9.6 rebounds per game
  • 4.7 assists per game
  • 1.3 blocks per game
  • 1.1 steals per game
  • 2.9 turnovers per game
  • 32.6 minutes per game
  • 53.5 percent shooting
  • 28.7 percent 3-point shooting
  • 71.0 percent free throw shooting

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.