Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will be sidelined for 2 to 4 weeks after suffering a right calf strain, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Thursday, December 4.
The injury occurred just three minutes into Wednesday’s 113-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum. Despite losing their two-time MVP early, the Bucks mounted a comeback to secure the win.
Kevin Porter Jr. led Milwaukee with 26 points, adding seven assists and seven rebounds. Ryan Rollins contributed 22 points and eight assists, while AJ Green added 19 points. Jericho Sims recorded a career-high 15 points and 14 rebounds, including a pivotal three-point play with 1:34 remaining that gave the Bucks a 109-108 lead.
Detroit battled back from a 27-9 first-quarter deficit, with Tobias Harris scoring 20 points, Cade Cunningham contributing 17, and Jaden Ivey adding 15. The Pistons, winners of 15 of their previous 17 games, struggled to close out the tight matchup.
The Bucks overcame an 85-78 third-quarter deficit, with Myles Turner hitting a three-pointer to give Milwaukee its first lead at 56-55. The game featured a heated exchange between Bobby Portis and Isaiah Stewart, resulting in Stewart’s ejection following a double technical.
In the final seconds, Rollins’ free throws extended Milwaukee’s lead to three points, and Green sealed the victory with two clutch foul shots. The Bucks improved to 14-9, while the Pistons fell to 15-3.
Head coach Doc Rivers noted Giannis’ absence would force the team to rely more heavily on its depth. Porter Jr., Rollins, Green, and Sims all stepped up, demonstrating Milwaukee’s ability to compete without their superstar.
The Bucks next face the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, aiming to extend their winning streak even without Antetokounmpo. Detroit will attempt to rebound against the Portland Trail Blazers after the narrow loss.
