Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play again for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Brooklyn Nets. It is now his third straight game missed more than a week after their NBA Cup victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Jan 29, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers talks with forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 17, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) arrives at the Emirates NBA Cup-Red Carpet before their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

He played in the lopsided loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers and produced his usual numbers but sat out the second night of a back-to-back against the Washington Wizards.

He was again out in the win against the Chicago Bulls.

The Bucks listed him as questionable for the Thursday game but was scratched off few hours before the tip off.

Fans are both unhappy and confused with the development.

Others are disappointed because they will not see their superstar play.

Dec 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) tries to save the ball from going out of bounds during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Dec 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) tries to save the ball from going out of bounds during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Doc Rivers clarifies Giannis Antetokounmpo’s continued absence

The Greek Freak was previously out due to back spasms but the reason behind his absence against the Nets is for a different reason.

Rivers said the league’s current top scorer has recovered from the injury but is now dealing with an illness, something that he also did not identify.
Dec 10, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts in the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
“He was expected to play and then whatever’s going around, it was just his turn, I guess,” Rivers told The Athletic’s Eric Nehm.

Rivers said “turn” because his other star Damian Lillard caught the illness first.

Good thing for the Bucks, the guys who are left are taking care of the business well, led by Khris Middleton who just returned from an ankle injury.