The Milwaukee Bucks anticipate that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be back in uniform for Saturday’s matchup with the Chicago Bulls, according to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm.
The two-time MVP has missed the last eight games with a right calf strain suffered in the opening quarter of a Dec. 3 win over Detroit. While the team prevailed that night, it has gone 2-6 without him, scoring 105 points or fewer in five of those defeats.
Antetokounmpo has progressed to full basketball activities, including a full-contact three-on-three session following Tuesday’s pre-game shootaround. Final clearance will depend on passing the Bucks’ standard pre-game tests.
Milwaukee enters the weekend at 12-19, 11th in the Eastern Conference. The club is 10-7 when Antetokounmpo plays. In 17 appearances this season, the forward is averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 29.1 minutes while shooting a career-best 63.9 percent from the field. He also missed time earlier with a left adductor strain.
Speaking on Dec. 18, Antetokounmpo addressed speculation about his future, stating he remains committed to the franchise that drafted him in 2013. “I’m still locked in, locked in on my teammates,” he said. “Most importantly, locked in on me getting back healthy.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
