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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. 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. As the Milwaukee Bucks prepared to face the Denver Nuggets, Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked about his opinion on the 65-game rule. Like 13 years of me being in the league, I think I have played 65 games every year. I think I am gonna still play 65 games. 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. 7 times first team and putting a rule in there does give a break. Owing to this injury, the player will be away for 4 weeks.
Because I have been All-NBA for 9 years in a row.
The margin of error is really less, according to the athlete. Jokic has been missing the last few games owing to his left knee injury. One serious injury might lead to a season-long ejection. He replied, “I will be honest with you. I am still on track. the athlete reveals the hardships behind the rule While being confident about his roadmap this season. He continued, “It’s hard. Nikola Jokic has been left with a left knee hyperextension. 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. concerns have been raised for Jokic regarding his postseason awards and accolades While the team is being carried forward by the young members. His return timeline is still uncertain.
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. Giannis further added, “The margin of error is hard. Like, you get one injury and you are off the race. 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 While initially. In the end, Giannis, however, acknowledged the importance of these rules and why they should exist.