Sources: Giannis expected to return against Bulls

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to play Saturday night against the Chicago Bulls as long as he clears his pregame routine without any issues, sources confirmed to ESPN. Antetokounmpo has not played since Dec. 3, missing the Bucks' past eight games with a right calf strain. He still needs to clear tests by the team's medical staff before the game, but if all goes well, Milwaukee could have its two-time MVP back on the floor for the start of a critical juncture. Milwaukee has gone 2-6 in the eight games without Antetokounmpo, falling to 11th place in the East at 12-19. Earlier this month, Antetokounmpo called the injury a soleus strain, the same injury that kept him out of the 2024 playoffs. In 17 games this season, Antetokounmpo has averaged 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting 63.9% from the field. Milwaukee is 9-8 when he does play and 3-11 when he's sidelined. The Athletic first reported that Antetokounmpo is expected to return.

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