Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks' star forward, will not participate in his ninth consecutive All-Star Game due to a left calf injury. The 2023 NBA All-Star Game, scheduled for next Sunday, will proceed without one of its most anticipated players. Despite his outstanding performance this season, averaging 31.8 points and 12.2 rebounds per game with a shooting percentage of 60.8%, Antetokounmpo's health remains a priority.
The decision to sit out comes after Antetokounmpo missed one game last week due to a right knee issue and three more recent games due to the calf injury. The Bucks have felt his absence profoundly, having lost six of their last eight games, which contributed to their fall to fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Over the course of this season, Milwaukee has managed a 4-5 record without their star player.
Antetokounmpo's absence also means he will miss upcoming matchups against formidable opponents such as the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves before the All-Star break. The Bucks look forward to his return, anticipated shortly after the All-Star break, with his next game tentatively scheduled against the LA Clippers on February 20.
Meanwhile, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers is also facing uncertainty due to a left knee injury. He is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bucks, adding further intrigue to the NBA landscape as the season progresses.
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