Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo inching closer to return from calf injury

The Milwaukee Bucks took Game 1 of their opening-round series against the Indiana Pacers behind an electric first half from Damian Lillard and a stout defensive performance (or terrible Indiana offense, whichever you prefer.) The Pacers responded massively in Game 2, though, pouring in 125 points in a 17-point win. Milwaukee sure could have used some Giannis Antetokounmpo defense, especially against Pascal Siakam (or Michael Jordan, it’s hard to tell who number 43 in gold is right now).

Antetokounmpo missed the Bucks’ final three regular-season games and first two playoff games with a calf injury that has a two-to-four-week return timeline. Tuesday’s Game 2 hit the two-week mark exactly.

The Pacers have all the momentum as the series shifts to Indiana for Game 3. Getting Giannis back would be an enormous boost for Milwaukee, and according to the latest reports, the two-time MVP is inching closer to getting back on the floor and potentially swinging the series.

Giannis Antetokounmpo ‘progressing in his recovery’

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Bucks star has taken the next step in his rehab as he’s back on the floor going through ballhandling drills and stationary jump shooting.

It’s not massive progress, but it’s progress. Indy’s Game 2 victory guaranteed the series would go at least five games. It feels safe to assume Antetokounmpo will miss Game 3. Game 4 is set for Sunday, April 28, which would be 19 days after he suffered the injury. Game 5 is scheduled for April 30, three weeks to the day after he hurt his calf.

If Indiana wins Game 3, Giannis may push to get back on the floor for Game 4 to try and prevent the Bucks from falling behind 3-1. If the series shifts back to The Cream City for Game 5 and Milwaukee is, in fact, trailing 3-1, it’s almost a certainty that Antetokounmpo will will his comeback into existence.

The Bucks got some good news. But for now, Lillard has to keep scoring in bunches and Milwaukee has to fix its defense while it waits for its best player to return.

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