NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo addresses 65-game rule amid Nikola Jokic’s continued absence

The Milwaukee Bucks faced the Denver Nuggets on January 11, 2026. Even without their star player, Nikola Jokic, the team managed to rack up a 4-point lead. Jokic has been missing the last few games owing to his left knee injury. His absence has raised the debate over his eligibility for the postseason awards and accolades this year, as the minimum eligibility criteria is 65 games. On average, each team plays 82 games.

Before the Bucks vs. the Nuggets game, NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked to address the 65-game rule. The power forward gave a rather honest reply about how hard it is to reach the threshold of 64 games. According to the athlete, the margin of error is really less. One serious injury might lead to a season-long ejection.

Giannis Antetokounmpo explains the hardship of the 65-game rule

As the Milwaukee Bucks prepared to face the Denver Nuggets, Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked about his opinion on the 65-game rule. He replied, “I will be honest with you. Like 13 years of me being in the league, I think I have played 65 games every year. I am still on track. I think I am gonna still play 65 games.” While being confident about his roadmap this season, the athlete reveals the hardships behind the rule. He continued, “It's hard. If you want to be a really good player, help your team get deep in the playoffs and then come back at it and then again play 65 games, you do it for a couple of years. Because I have been All-NBA for 9 years in a row. 7 times first team and putting a rule in there does give a break.”


Giannis further added, “The margin of error is hard. Like, you get one injury and you are off the race.” The athlete believed that while he was determined to complete 65 games, he might not make it in the end. He mentioned a few other players, including Victor Wembanyama, who might not qualify for the postseason awards due to the rule. While initially, the Bucks' power forward was all for it at a younger age, he is not that supportive of the rule now that he is growing older. In the end, Giannis, however, acknowledged the importance of these rules and why they should exist.

When is Nikola Jokic returning?

Nikola Jokic has been left with a left knee hyperextension. Owing to this injury, the player will be away for 4 weeks. The athlete suffered the injury in a game against the Miami Heat team when Spencer Jones stepped on him accidentally. Ever since, he has missed quite a few games. While the team is being carried forward by the young members, concerns have been raised for Jokic regarding his postseason awards and accolades. His return timeline is still uncertain.

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