By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Before completing the Milwaukee Bucks’ first three-game winning streak of the 2025-26 NBA regular season with a 105-99 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum, head coach Doc Rivers updated the status of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In contrast to recent reports suggesting a plan to sideline the Greek superstar for the remainder of the season, the 64-year-old tactician expects him to return once medically cleared from a strained right calf.
“He’s going to play when he’s healthy,” Rivers clarified during a pregame press conference ahead of Friday’s contest. “We just have to make sure he’s healthy. He’s getting close. He’s working out. He looks good. So, I would say hopefully sooner than later.”
Beyond the latest injury setback, which removed the 31-year-old forward from contention for season-ending awards, the Bucks also dealt with uncertainty regarding whether their leader would stay or leave before Thursday’s trade deadline.
“You can just see the way everybody was skipping around the gym today,” Rivers noted, describing the team’s improved morale.
Bucks win, Zubac out
Overcoming Giannis’s absence, the Bucks improved to 21-29, led by Kevin Porter Jr.’s 23 points, Ryan Rollins’ 22, and Bobby Portis’ 21. While Giannis was out, his brother Thanasis remained on the bench, alongside French newcomer Ousmane Dieng. His other brother, Alex, stayed on his assignment with the G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd.
The lack of European action extended to the Pacers, as Croatian center Ivica Zubac is on paternity leave and has yet to join his new team. Before his trade, the 28-year-old center missed his last game with the Los Angeles Clippers for the birth of his first child. In addition, he is dealing with an ankle injury.
“My understanding from talking to him is that there’s still something there that’s not quite right. We’re not going to put him out there until he’s really ready,” head coach Rick Carlisle talked about his new player’s ailment in a pregame press conference.
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