Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miss Game Against Hornets Due to Knee Injury

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Giannis Antetokounmpo will not play for the Milwaukee Bucks in Wednesday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets due to a left knee issue. The Bucks announced on Wednesday that the two-time league MVP is suffering from patellar tendinopathy.

The team will also be without Alex Antetokounmpo, Kevin Porter Jr., and Taurean Prince for the game. The Bucks are in the midst of a busy schedule, playing their third game in four nights.

Antetokounmpo, who scored 15 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, leads the NBA with 33.4 points per game and ranks sixth in rebounding with 11.9 per game. He also averages 6.2 assists.

This season, Antetokounmpo’s health had been relatively stable until this knee issue arose. Following his return to the court on October 22 against the Washington Wizards, he played in the first four games of the season before briefly missing a game on October 30 due to a Warriors matchup.

Despite the injury concern, there is speculation that the Bucks may simply be giving Antetokounmpo a maintenance day ahead of crucial back-to-back games against the Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers later this week.

In his first 10 games this season, Antetokounmpo has averaged career-high numbers, making 62 percent of his shots. Fellow players and analysts have noted his performance as critical for the Bucks, with Antetokounmpo contributing significantly to the team’s overall scoring and rebounding statistics.

“It’s tough, because someone like himself will have a game that goes unnoticed,” said Myles Turner, reflecting on Antetokounmpo’s contributions. “It’s crazy to me.”

Antetokounmpo’s aspirations for a second NBA championship this season remain high, as he aims to lead his team with excellence while managing his health amid a demanding schedule.