Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out of Thursday night's matchup against the Golden State Warriors due to a knee injury. The two-time MVP was originally listed as probable but was ruled out about an hour before tipoff, according to multiple reports. The decision came after a heavy start to his 2025-26 NBA season.
Antetokounmpo has carried a massive workload through the first four games of the campaign, averaging 36.3 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists per game. The Bucks initially hoped to manage his minutes against Golden State, but precautionary measures led to his removal from the lineup. Kyle Kuzma started in his place, while Bobby Portis saw an increased role.
The Bucks' decision to rest Antetokounmpo appears to be preventative, with early indications suggesting no long-term damage. His left knee had reportedly shown mild swelling following the team's loss to Cleveland earlier in the week. The team's medical staff opted to prioritize rest ahead of a back-to-back set scheduled for the weekend.
In Antetokounmpo's absence, the Bucks relied on Myles Turner and Gary Trent Jr., both of whom have seen significant usage increases when the star forward is off the court. Turner's offensive production jumped by 10%, while Trent Jr. also saw more touches, according to advanced tracking metrics. Portis, who stepped into the frontcourt rotation, added valuable rebounding and interior defense.
Antetokounmpo's absence also gave head coach Doc Rivers an opportunity to experiment with small-ball lineups featuring Kuzma at the four. However, the loss of Giannis' dominant paint presence was immediately felt, particularly against a Warriors team known for pushing pace and spacing the floor.
The Bucks are expected to reevaluate Antetokounmpo ahead of Saturday's contest, but there is optimism within the organization that he could return soon. Sources close to the team suggest that his knee soreness is not considered serious, though Milwaukee will remain cautious given his importance to their championship aspirations.
Antetokounmpo's durability has long been one of his defining traits. Despite frequent contact and a punishing playing style, he has consistently managed to stay on the floor for most of his career. Still, with the Bucks' season just beginning, the medical staff is emphasizing long-term health over short-term gains.