NBA: Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo to miss start of playoffs — ESPN

Antetokounmpo, 29, played in 73 regular-season games and the eight-time All-Star averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists on a career-best 61.1 percent shooting from the field. File photo/Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports via REUTERS

Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss the start of the first-round series between the Bucks and the Indiana Pacers with a left calf strain, ESPN reported Tuesday.

Antetokounmpo was sidelined for the final three games of the regular season after the two-time MVP exited the April 9 win over the Boston Celtics.

ESPN reported Antetokounmpo committed to around-the-clock treatment for the muscle strain but was doubtful for Game 1 in Milwaukee.

The Pacers are the No. 6 seed in the East and dominated the regular-season series with the third-seeded Bucks, going 4-1. In Milwaukee’s lone win this season over Indiana on Dec. 13, Antetokounmpo scored 64 points with 14 rebounds and four steals to carry the Bucks to a 140-126 victory.

Without Antetokounmpo, the third-seeded Bucks lost the No. 2 spot in the East to the New York Knicks on the final day of the regular season.

Antetokounmpo, 29, played in 73 regular-season games and the eight-time All-Star averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists on a career-best 61.1 percent shooting from the field. — Field Level Media/Reuters