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.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will NOT return to tonight’s game due to a right wrist sprain.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 17, 2023
Here is the play where Antetokounpmo suffered the injury:
Have to hope Giannis’ wrist/hand is okay after this pic.twitter.com/xPBroLtViA
— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) February 17, 2023
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.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) and Kevin Love (Heat) are listed as starters tonight.
— Cassidy Hubbarth (@CassidyHubbarth) February 25, 2023
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."
Bucks star Giannis 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, sources tell ESPN. He was examined in New York today.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 21, 2023
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
