"It doesn't look good."
That's how the Bucks broadcast reacted immediately after Giannis Antetokounmpo went to the floor with a non-contact injury in the first quarter on Wednesday against the Pistons.
While Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee is suddenly in limbo amidst talks of a possible trade, that was all put on the immediate back burner after the two-time MVP limped off the court in Detroit. With 9:05 left in the first quarter, Antetokounmpo suddenly fell to the floor following an AJ Green layup with no other player nearby.
Shortly after, the Bucks announced that he would not return, citing a right calf strain.
Giannis appeared to suffer a leg injury early in the game vs. Detroit. He was able to walk off on his own. Pic.twitter.com/RYLETO8BjL
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 4, 2025
The nature of the non-contact injury left many pundits wondering if Antetokounmpo's injury could be more severe, akin to a potential Achilles' injury. Though calf injuries have been on the rise, the difference between a calf and Achilles would have a profound impact both short and long-term in Milwaukee, especially within the context of ongoing chatter around the Bucks' franchise player.
More information will surely follow as Milwaukee learns more and Antetokounmpo undergoes more tests. For what it's worth, Wednesday's injury looked eerily similar to a 2024 play in which he went down with a non-contact injury that ended up not being an Achilles.
Giannis calf injury from 2024. Basically the same thing and he had basically the same reaction. Pic.twitter.com/RjheXTfhax
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) December 4, 2025
The Bucks are off on Thursday before playing at home on Friday against the 76ers.
More NBA news:
- What a Giannis to Heat trade could look like according to former NBA player
- NBA world fears the worst after Giannis non-contact injury
- Could the Warriors be a possible Giannis landing spot?