Bucks Preparing to Open First Round Series vs. Pacers Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, per Report

Patrick Andres | Apr 16, 2024

Apr 10, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) sits. / Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

When the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers open their first round playoff series on Sunday, the Bucks will be down a familiar face.

Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to miss the start of the first round, according to a Tuesday morning report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Per Wojnarowski, the Bucks "are hopeful treatment on his left calf strain will allow him to return sometime later in the series."

Antetokounmpo strained his left calf on April 9—an injury that forced his exit in the third quarter of Milwaukee's 104-91 win over the Boston Celtics. He has not played since sustaining the injury.

ESPN Sources: The Milwaukee Bucks are preparing to be without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for the start of their opening round series against the Indiana Pacers, but are hopeful treatment on his left calf strain will allow him to return sometime later in the series. pic.twitter.com/8p0wCiRSRl

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 16, 2024

In 2024, Antetokoumpo was his usual excellent self, averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds and a career-high 6.5 assists per game. He was named an All-Star for the eighth time for his efforts.

The Bucks—and Antetokoumpo in particular—are looking to rebound from a lackluster playoff performance in 2023. Milwaukee lost to the Miami Heat in five games, with Antetokounmpo injuring his back and missing time.