The Milwaukee Bucks were just 13-19 on the season entering game play on Monday. However, the won their previous game, a matchup against the Chicago Bulls, by the score of 112-103. And while outcome gave Milwaukee a much-needed win, the biggest story from the game was that Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from an eight-game absence due to a calf injury.
In his return to action, Giannis poured in 29 points in just 25 minutes to go with eight rebounds, an assist, a block, and a steal.
While he was out, the Bucks went just 2-6 and slid further down in the Eastern Conference standings. However, the biggest story during that time, as it has been all year, was the multitude of trade rumors surrounding Giannis. Indeed, these rumors have overshadowed what has been yet another stellar season from the nine-time All-Star.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Eastern Conference in NBA All-Star votes
Dec 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) goes up for a dunk against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
On Monday, the Bucks are taking on the Charlotte Hornets, who will be playing without Wisconsin native Kon Knueppel, who has a sprained right ankle.
It was also the day the first round of fan vote standings were released for the NBA All-Star Game, and Giannis was revealed to be the leading vote-getter in the Eastern Conference and the second-leading vote-getter in the entire league:
First in the East. Second overall.
KEEP VOTING GIANNIS FOR ALL-STAR. ⭐
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 29, 2025
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers is the only player in the NBA who has more votes than Giannis.
Giannis is averaging 28.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game this season. When he is officially named to the All-Star team this year, it will be the tenth such honor of his career.
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