Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Sinks Milwaukee Bucks' 2026 NBA Playoff Betting Odds

A reported injury to former NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo has dramatically shifted the options for and the odds surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

The Milwaukee center left the game on Friday night and told reporters after that he had suffered an injury. In a frank discussion with the media, the two-time MVP said he expects to have an MRI soon and would likely miss "four to six weeks."

Some sports betting apps have removed the Bucks from "To Make the Playoffs" odds markets for the time being.

Antetokounmpo has been rumored to be on the trading block as the NBA trade deadline nears, Feb. 5. The Bucks are 18-26, mired far down the standings in the Eastern Conference. Even a strong second half might not guarantee the team would earn a spot in the NBA's play-in tournament.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Could Alter NBA Title Hopes for New Team

Before the injury revelation, oddsmakers had been poised to boost the chances of whichever team might trade for the man known as "The Greek Freak," who is averaging 28 points and 10 rebounds this season.

Without an official announcement from the Bucks about the results of an MRI, sportsbooks with NBA odds have not made an adjustment on Milwaukee. The team is priced at +75000 to win the NBA Finals by FanDuel. Odds for the Bucks to make the play-in are not available from every online betting site.

In recent years, NBA stars have ping-ponged around the league as teams jostle to increase chances at a trophy-grab. But until recently, it seemed unfathomable that Antetokounmpo would change uniforms from the only NBA threads he's ever known.

Since the Bucks won the NBA Finals in 2021, the team has struggled to maintain a solid supporting cast around Antetokounmpo. The gifted big man has finished in the top ten in NBA MVP voting in each of the last seven seasons. But Milwaukee has steadily fallen back to the pack in the conference. Before the 2024-25 season, oddsmakers listed the Bucks at +5500 to win the NBA Finals.

Best Bonus

BetMGM Promo

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Get bonus now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Newcomer

FanDuel Promo

Get $300 Back in Bonus Bets Every Day For 10 Days

Get bonus now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG Help . Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit Helpline and Chat – CONNECTICUT COUNCIL (CT). Hope is here. MA Gambling Helpline or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit Home (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at FanDuel Sportsbook

Is It Too Early to Abandon Milwaukee Bucks' Championship Odds After Giannis Antetokounmpo's Injury?

NBA insider Shams Charania has reported that Antetokounmpo is "frustrated with the situation" in Milwaukee. But frustration does not a disgruntled star make.

Just because Antetokounmpo is frustrated doesn't mean he's demanding to be traded. So far, the rumors that the 31-year-old All-Star will be traded have been heavy on speculation. In reality, they've been very low on reality.

Antetokounmpo is famously competitive. He hates losing as much as any superstar the league has seen in recent years. While some NBA stars can play the minimum games required and go through the season hoisting three-point shots while pursuing personal goals, Antetokounmpo wants to win games.

The chances that Antetokounmpo will be traded by Milwaukee are still less likely than the future Hall of Famer staying with the Bucks to try for a second title.

A week ago, NBA bettors may have been itching for a Giannis-to-someone trade headline (Lakers, Warriors, Pistons, anyone?). But I suspect the Greek will still be doing his Freaky stuff in Milwaukee when he returns from his injury.

Are you in search of further NBA and sports betting promotions? We have compiled a list of the best sports betting offers here.