New Giannis Rumors on Injury Timeline to Return to Bucks and Potential NBA Trade
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly is set to return on Saturday.
The Athletic's Eric Nehm reported that Antetokounmpo is expected to play for the Bucks against the Chicago Bulls after missing eight straight games due to a calf injury.
The two-time MVP will have to go through pregame tests before the Bucks' training staff clears him.
Even though Antetokounmpo's return will put an even bigger spotlight on the trade rumors around him, Nehm noted the Bucks are still expressing a desire "to add talent to their roster" around the superstar forward prior to the Feb. 5 deadline.
Antetokounmpo suffered a right calf strain while getting back on defense a few minutes into his team's 113-109 road win against the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 3. Head coach Doc Rivers told reporters two days later that he expected the two-time MVP to be out close to four weeks.
"Let's hope he's back sooner, but I'm going to guess it's more in the 4-week range," Rivers said.
In 17 games, Antetokounmpo has averaged 28.9 points on 63.9 percent shooting, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists per contest. He's been sensational as usual, but that's no surprise for a future Basketball Hall of Famer who has amassed seven All-NBA First Team honors, in addition to nine All-Star Games.
The five-time All-NBA Defensive Team member has been fantastic throughout his 13 seasons, and any amount of time he's off the court is a big loss for the Bucks. That's especially the case this year for a Milwaukee team that's just 12-19 overall and lost six of its last eight games without Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo's return will provide a huge boost to the Bucks, but they still have a lot of work to do if they want to get back in the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.
