Bucks Make Final Decision on Giannis Antetokounmpo Ahead of Rockets Game

Feb 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) attempts to control the ball during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Bucks have made a final determination on nine-time All-NBA power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo's health.

More news: Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Lashes Out at Pacers Fans

Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports that, after Bucks head coach Doc Rivers suggested that the former two-time league MVP was expected to play through a left knee patellar tendinopathy issue, the Bucks have now confirmed his availability.

Per Bucks PR, Giannis Antetokounmpo will be available today vs. the Rockets. https://t.co/ra8xPDFyV1

— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) November 9, 2025

Two other Bucks standard roster players are down for the count.

Backup combo forward Taurean Prince will miss his second straight game with a neck strain, while starting point guard Kevin Porter Jr. will be on the shelf for the next month or so recovering from a meniscus tear.

More news: Bucks’ Kevin Porter Jr Suffers Major Injury Setback, Will Undergo Surgery

Antetokounmpo, 30, appears to be making a push for a third MVP award in what has already been a Hall of Fame career.

Through his eight healthy games for the 6-3 Bucks, the 6-foot-11 big man has been averaging 33.4 points on .642/.538/.634 shooting splits, 12.9 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals a night.

Milwaukee currently is without another All-Star-caliber colleague for Antetokounmpo after opting to stretch and waive rim-rolling center Myles Turner, but has managed to cobble together a roster full of 3-point shooters and athletic defenders.

For now, the Bucks' pace-and-space approach to the game has paid major dividends. Milwaukee ranks eighth in overall pace (102.2), ninth in offensive rating (118.0), and 17th in defensive rating (115.6).

Antetokounmpo Surrounded By A Sharing Offense

Although Antetokounmpo is averaging 30-plus points, the team has managed to cultivate an egalitarian offense around him, with a whopping eight players averaging 10 points or more.

The biggest — and most exciting — success story this season beyond the future first-ballot Hall of Famer has been reserve point guard Ryan Rollins.

Pressed into a starting role in the absence of Kevin Porter Jr. (who's been out since the first game of the season with multiple injuries), Rollins has been excellent, averaging 16.7 points on efficient .518/.422/.850 shooting splits, plus 5.4 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per.

Still just 23, the 6-foot-3 University of Toledo product is making a case to be the Bucks' long-term solution to Damian Lillard's absence as its starting point guard of the future, even when Porter does return.

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