Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Exits Game with Knee Injury

Antetokounmpo says he likely could have finished game if needed, downplays severity of issue.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:41am

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Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo left Sunday night's game against the Indiana Pacers late in the third quarter due to an apparent knee injury. Antetokounmpo, who had 31 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists before exiting, said he doesn't plan to get any imaging done on his leg and that he probably could have finished the game if necessary. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers believes Antetokounmpo may have hyperextended his knee, but the team is optimistic the issue is not serious.

Why it matters

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the centerpiece of the Bucks' championship aspirations, so any injury concerns are closely watched by the team and its fans. Antetokounmpo has already missed a career-high 31 games this season due to various ailments, so the team will be cautious in managing his recovery.

The details

Antetokounmpo left the game against Indiana late in the third quarter and never returned. Prior to exiting, he had a dominant stat line of 31 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists in 30 minutes of action. The Bucks went on to win the game 134-123 without their star player.

  • Antetokounmpo exited the game against the Indiana Pacers late in the third quarter on Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The star forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, considered one of the best players in the NBA.

Doc Rivers

The head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just going to go back home, sleep, see how I feel tomorrow, try to lift some weights. If I have a little bit of discomfort, then I'll go from there. As of now, I'm not really bothered.”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (ESPN)

“My guess is he hyperextended his knee, but I'm guessing.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach (ESPN)

What’s next

The Bucks will evaluate Antetokounmpo's status ahead of their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.

The takeaway

While any injury to a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo is concerning, the Bucks and their fans can take solace in the fact that the issue does not appear to be serious based on the player's own assessment. The team will continue to monitor Antetokounmpo's recovery and exercise caution in bringing him back to ensure he is fully healthy for the playoffs.