Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Out for Game 3 vs. Pacers

The Milwaukee superstar hasn't played since April 9.

Milwaukee Bucks / Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks will play the Indiana Pacers on Friday night in Game 3 of their first round Eastern Conference playoff series. They will do so without Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The team announced on Friday afternoon that the superstar will miss yet another game while rehabbing his left soleus strain. He was initially listed as doubtful.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as out for today’s game.

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 26, 2024

It is not necessarily a surprise but still a disappointment for the Bucks. Antetokounmpo injured his calf on April 9 against the Boston Celtics and has not played a game since. His team then drew a difficult first round playoff matchup against the Pacers, who beat Milwaukee five times in the regular season.

The Bucks managed to take Game 1 at home on the strength of a vintage Damian Lillard playoff explosion. Indiana shook off whatever playoff nerves the roster had and ran Milwaukee off the floor in Game 2. With the series tied 1-1, much hinges on Game 3, and the Bucks will be forced to make do without their best player once more.

Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 73 games this season. Friday night's contest will be his sixth straight sidelined.