Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t suit up for Sunday’s All-Star Game, the Bucks confirmed - and that’s no surprise. The two-time MVP hasn’t played since January 23 due to a right calf strain, and with the All-Star festivities being more about celebration than competition, there was never much expectation that he’d push to return just for the weekend.
Giannis had been selected to the World Team under the NBA’s new three-team All-Star format, but his absence set off a quick reshuffling. De’Aaron Fox was named as his replacement by commissioner Adam Silver, though Fox will join the USA Stripes squad instead. That opened the door for Norman Powell to move to the World Team - a logical fit given his Jamaican heritage.
Even though he won’t be playing, Giannis will still have a presence throughout All-Star Weekend. He’s set to help coach the Celebrity Game on Friday and will be on the sidelines Sunday, supporting his World teammates.
But let’s be honest - the real storyline isn’t about the All-Star Game. It’s about what this means for the Bucks moving forward.
Antetokounmpo has been his usual dominant self this season, averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. But despite his production, Milwaukee is currently sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference - outside the play-in zone and in unfamiliar territory for a team that entered the season with playoff expectations.
Trade rumors swirled around Giannis leading up to the deadline, but nothing materialized. Now, the focus shifts to his health and return timeline, which could determine whether the Bucks try to rally for a late-season push or pivot toward protecting a potential lottery pick.
It’s a tough spot for Milwaukee. If Giannis is cleared soon, there’s still time to make a run. But if the calf strain lingers, the team may be forced to think long-term - and that could mean prioritizing draft position over chasing a low playoff seed.
Either way, the Bucks' season is teetering. And how long Giannis stays on the sideline could be the difference between a second-half surge or a step back into reset mode.