Two of the league’s most recognizable superstars will be spending time on the sideline, as Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo are both set to miss games due to their respective injuries. The setbacks come early in the season, where both the Spurs and Bucks are navigating to stay at the top of their conferences.

Wembanyama is expected to be out for multiple weeks after suffering a left calf strain. The injury was confirmed following an MRI, marking yet another hurdle for the Spurs’ franchise cornerstone, who previously missed extended time because of a deep vein thrombosis diagnosis in his right shoulder. While San Antonio remains optimistic about his long-term recovery – with recent signs pointing to positive on-court progress – the latest setback temporarily halts the momentum he had been building this season.

Meanwhile in Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo will miss 1-2 weeks due to a left groin strain.  An MRI revealed no structural damage, but the Bucks are opting for caution as their two-time MVP manages the injury. Giannis had been playing at an elite level to open the year, and even a brief absence could shift the dynamics for a team working to establish consistency in the Eastern Conference.

The simultaneous loss of two global stars underscores just how fragile the NBA landscape can be. As both players recover, their teams will be forced to adjust – and the league will feel the absence of two of its most impactful talents until they return.