Doc Rivers finds himself in a bit of a quandary, much like the Milwaukee fans eagerly awaiting Giannis Antetokounmpo's return. The Bucks' superstar has been sidelined for over a month due to a right calf strain sustained against the Denver Nuggets on January 23.
Initially, Rivers outlined a step-by-step plan for Giannis’ return, moving from 3-on-3 to 5-on-5 play. However, before the Bucks faced the Cleveland Cavaliers, Rivers offered a less-than-clear update.
“Guys, this is not rocket science stuff,” he remarked. “We do 3-on-3, 4-on-4, sometimes 5-on-5, sometimes we don’t.
It doesn’t really matter.”
Pressed for a timeline on Antetokounmpo’s return, Rivers admitted, “I have no idea, honestly. Maybe I should ask and get you the information, but I know he’s close.
I don’t think he’s close like tomorrow, but he’s getting closer and he looked great. And that’s all I know.
I can tell you what my eyes see and he looks good.”
Giannis initially strained his calf on December 3, 2025, and had been on limited minutes since his return. His absence from the 2026 All-Star Game in Los Angeles was notable, though he did participate as a coach for the Celebrity Game. Despite the setback, the Bucks have managed an 8-5 record without their star, currently sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 26-31 record.
Wednesday’s 118-116 victory over the Cavaliers marked a significant turnaround for Milwaukee, winning 8 of their last 10 games without Giannis. After a rocky start, the team has found its groove.
Rivers acknowledged the mental toll of losing streaks but praised the team's newfound resilience. “When you’ve lost a bunch of games in a row and the game gets tight, you start thinking about losing,” Rivers explained.
“It’s human nature. It’s the same as tonight.
We felt like we’re going to win this game somehow, like, you can feel that. Eight out of 10 is phenomenal with this group.
With no Giannis, you take that all day.”
The Bucks are now just one game behind the Charlotte Hornets for the Eastern Conference’s final Play-In Tournament spot, showing that even without their MVP, they’re not backing down.