What Giannis Antetokounmpo injury means for Bucks

A conservative timeline on lower-grade calf strains is usually two to three weeks. That would mean Giannis could potentially miss the first few games of the Bucks' opening playoff series. Milwaukee would likely face either the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers. 

Both of those teams provide a significant threat. Having Giannis on the sidelines would be a hammer blow for Milwaukee's chances of avoiding a first-round exit for the second straight season.

Milwaukee has been here before, though. Last season, Giannis suffered a back injury in the team's opening game against the Miami Heat. He struggled to make an impact after that. The Bucks are arguably a worse team this year than they were under Mike Budenholzer. Their defensive inconsistencies have been a talking point throughout the season. Their offense has also stuttered at times since Doc Rivers took the reins as head coach. 

Damian Lillard will have a heavy burden to carry without Giannis in the rotation. Fortunately, his best games with the Bucks this season have come when he's been the offense's focal point. Nevertheless, Milwaukee is -0.3 points per 100 possessions worse when Lillard is on the floor without Giannis. To make matters worse, when Giannis is sitting, they're -15.2 points per 100 worse when both stars are off the floor. That doesn't bode well for the stretches where Lillard goes to the bench. It also puts more pressure on Rivers to figure out ways to hide his star guard on defense to limit how often he's hunted.

Right now, there's no timeline on when Giannis could return. The Bucks will undoubtedly be hoping it's sooner rather than later. Still, they must ensure he's not at risk of relapsing the injury. The Bucks' chances of playoff success have taken a big blow. Only time will tell if they can bounce back or if they're destined for another first-round exit.