The Milwaukee Bucks have a short turnaround following their 125-104 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. After leading by 10 points in the first quarter, everything fell apart for Milwaukee, who, once again, was desperately missing their star power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
A nine-time All-Star, Giannis has been sidelined since December 3 with a calf strain. If there has been any positive news during the time that he has been unable to play, it is that the Bucks made it crystal clear to the rest of the NBA (and its so-called insiders) that they have no intention of trading the two-time MVP. Instead, they want to improve the roster around him.
The bad news, though, is that Milwaukee has struggled to win without Giannis on the court. However, it does not sound like he will be out much longer.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to return for the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday
Nov 29, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is fouled by Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (21) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The Bucks are now 12-19 on the season, in desperate need to turn it around quick before the year slips away from them. Fortunately, team insider Eric Nehm of The Athletic reported in the wee hours of Saturday morning that the Greek Freak is expected to return tonight when Milwaukee travels to take on the Chicago Bulls:
“The Milwaukee Bucks expect star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo to return from a right calf strain and play on the road against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, league and team sources confirmed to The Athletic.
“Antetokounmpo’s likely return, which was first noted by Memphis Grizzlies television play-by-play announcer Pete Pranica at the start of the FanDuel Sports Network broadcast of Friday’s game between Memphis and Milwaukee, will come after an eight-game absence. To play against the Bulls, though, Antetokounmpo will still need to clear the pregame tests required by the Bucks’ training staff to be cleared for action.”
As noted, Giannis still needs to clear the pre-game tests from the Bucks’ training staff. Still, when he first injured his calf, it was reported that he would be out 2-4 weeks. As the injury happened on December 3, a return tonight would put him right at the end of that window.
In 17 games this season, Giannis is averaging 28.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.
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