The Milwaukee Bucks played their fourth consecutive game without star player Giannis Antetokounmpo during a road matchup against the Miami Heat on November 17, 2025. Antetokounmpo has been sidelined since sustaining a groin injury in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers last week. The absence of the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player has significantly impacted the team, which has struggled to find its footing, losing all four games played during his absence, including a narrow 106-103 defeat to the Heat.
As the Bucks approached the Miami game, there was a brief moment of optimism surrounding Antetokounmpo’s potential return. He was initially upgraded to a questionable status, raising hopes among fans and teammates. Ultimately, he was ruled out for the contest, a decision that Bucks’ head coach Doc Rivers supported. Rivers expressed his concerns about the situation, emphasizing the importance of caution regarding Antetokounmpo’s health.
Coach Rivers Discusses Antetokounmpo’s Condition
In a statement reflecting on Antetokounmpo’s eagerness to play, Rivers remarked, “I was not in favor [of him playing]. I was very happy we decided what we decided. I was very uncomfortable with it. He really wanted to push and that’s who Giannis is.” He praised the Bucks’ medical team for their decision to prioritize the player’s long-term health over immediate game participation: “We just thought it was the right thing to do. We gotta protect him sometimes.”
The current situation raises questions about Antetokounmpo’s availability for the Bucks’ next game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Although his status remains uncertain, the fact that he was labeled as questionable suggests he may be moving in the right direction toward recovery. The Bucks are currently experiencing a difficult stretch, having lost their last six games, which has left them with a record of 8-11 and three games below .500.
Bucks’ Struggles Without Their Star Player
The absence of Antetokounmpo has created a significant gap for the team, which is grappling with how to adjust its gameplay in his absence. The Bucks have relied on other players to step up, but the pressure to perform without their leading scorer and playmaker has been evident. Rivers and his coaching staff are tasked with navigating these challenges while ensuring the health and recovery of their star player is not compromised.
As the Bucks look ahead to their upcoming match against the Knicks, the focus will be on Antetokounmpo’s recovery and the team’s ability to break their losing streak. The Bucks’ performance in the next game could determine their trajectory for the season, making the return of Antetokounmpo even more critical. The team aims to regain its competitive edge and capitalize on the talent that has made them a formidable force in the league.
