Antetokounmpo was listed day-to-day with a left knee issue on the Heat's Sept. 6 injury report, with no previous status on file. He did not play in Greece's latest FIBA World Cup qualifying window as he prepares for the 2026-27 season, and his expected return is listed as Oct. 1.
What happened
Antetokounmpo appeared on the Heat's injury report as day-to-day on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 4:32 a.m. ET, listed with a left knee issue. The report does not carry a previous status for him. According to the injury report, Antetokounmpo did not participate in Greece's latest FIBA World Cup qualifying window as he focused on preparing for the 2026-27 NBA season. The report lists an expected return date of Oct. 1.
What it means for the Heat
Miami opens its season at Toronto on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7:00 p.m. ET, a game airing on NBA TV. Last season Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 28.9 minutes across 36 games. If he is unavailable, Bam Adebayo (32.4 minutes, 20.1 points), Tyler Herro (31.3 minutes, 20.5 points) and Andrew Wiggins (30.3 minutes, 15.4 points) lead the rotation that would absorb his workload. The 2026-27 season has not started, so Miami has no record with or without him yet.
What to watch
The Heat's next injury report will show whether Antetokounmpo's status changes before the opener. His expected return is listed as Oct. 1, two days ahead of the season opener at Toronto on Oct. 3. Miami will need an updated report closer to that date to know whether he is available for the first game.
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing at Raptors on Sat, Oct 3?
He is day-to-day with a left knee issue and has not been ruled out or confirmed for that game. His expected return is listed as Oct. 1, two days before the opener.
When will Giannis Antetokounmpo be back?
The injury report lists an expected return date of Oct. 1, 2026.