Sources: Giannis avoids serious Achilles injury

Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s left Achilles tendon is fully intact, and the Milwaukee Bucks star’s return to play will depend on how quickly his left calf strain heals, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Antetokounmpo exited Tuesday night’s victory over the Boston Celtics in the third quarter after crumpling to the floor while grabbing at his left leg. The two-time MVP’s teammates helped carry him off the court and toward the locker room.

The Bucks initially called the injury a strain to Antetokounmpo’s left soleus, which is a muscle in the back part of the calf.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers said after the game that Antetokounmpo was undergoing an MRI exam on his calf and also would have his Achilles tendon tested.

Rivers said his concern over Antetokounmpo’s status was “high” and that the Bucks were “going to hope for the best.”

The Bucks (48-31) had lost four consecutive games entering Tuesday, their longest losing streak since December 2022. They hold a one-game lead over the New York Knicks (47-32) for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Bucks have three games remaining on their regular-season schedule, starting with Wednesday’s home game against the Orlando Magic. Milwaukee visits the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday before closing out its regular season Sunday in Orlando. The first round of the NBA playoffs starts April 20.

ESPN’s Jamal Collier contributed to this report.