Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Nears Return from Calf Injury

Coach Doc Rivers says Antetokounmpo's limited practice is a 'good sign' as Milwaukee looks to climb in the East

Feb. 27, 2026 at 2:47am

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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo participated in limited practice on Feb. 19 as the team returned from the NBA All-Star break. Head coach Doc Rivers said Antetokounmpo's activity was a 'good sign' as the Bucks look to climb out of 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings over the final 29 games of the season.

Why it matters

The Bucks have struggled without their two-time MVP, going just 8-15 in his absence. However, the team has started to find its rhythm, winning five of its last six games heading into the break. Getting Antetokounmpo back healthy will be crucial for Milwaukee's playoff push.

The details

Antetokounmpo did not participate in full five-on-five drills, but Rivers said his limited activity was an encouraging sign. The star forward has been sidelined since Jan. 23 with a right calf strain, which he initially predicted would sideline him for 4-6 weeks. The Bucks will also be without center Myles Turner for at least one more game due to a right calf strain.

  • Antetokounmpo suffered the calf injury on Jan. 23.
  • The game against the Pelicans on Feb. 20 will mark four weeks since Antetokounmpo's injury.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks' two-time NBA MVP who has been sidelined since Jan. 23 with a right calf strain.

Doc Rivers

The head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Kyle Kuzma

A forward for the Milwaukee Bucks who discussed the team's improved ball movement and defensive intensity during its recent winning stretch.

Myles Turner

The Milwaukee Bucks' center who was held out of practice and ruled out for the game against the Pelicans with a right calf strain.

Ryan Rollins

A guard for the Milwaukee Bucks who returned to practice after missing the last two games before the break with plantar fasciitis in his right foot.

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What they’re saying

“We just gotta keep winning. We gotta stack games, we gotta stack wins. That's the bottom line. And wherever (the record) lies, it lies.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach, Milwaukee Bucks

“I think that's just the tale of the season. We haven't won five of six all year and the biggest reason, I would say, was the ball movement. We had multiple guys in double figures (scoring), we had play after the play type of possessions on offense. So, that's gotta be the recipe the rest of the year. If we come back and play stagnant and play iso, it's going to be a toss up.”

— Kyle Kuzma, Forward, Milwaukee Bucks

“I feel good. The thing I'm dealing with in my foot, sometimes it's just like the more you just bang on it, it keeps getting worse so it was a good almost two weeks for me to sit down and get off my feet. It was great. I came back today and was feeling great.”

— Ryan Rollins, Guard, Milwaukee Bucks

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.