Giannis Antetokounmpo returns from calf harm

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo is again for the Milwaukee Bucks after a calf pressure that compelled the two-time MVP to overlook 15 video games.

Antetokounmpo scored 19 factors and hauled in 11 rebounds within the Bucks’ 108-81 loss to Boston on Monday night time.

Coach Doc Rivers stated throughout his pregame availability that Antetokounmpo would play Monday night time in opposition to the Boston Celtics. Rivers stated Antetokounmpo can be on a minutes restriction.

The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo hadn’t performed since straining his proper calf on Jan. 23 in a 102-100 loss to the Denver Nuggets. A proper calf pressure additionally had prevented him from taking part in for 3 weeks in December.

Antetokounmpo has missed a career-high 29 video games this season, 23 of these due to calf points. The Bucks are 15-15 with Antetokounmpo and 11-18 with out him.

His return comes with the Bucks attempting to work their means into the SoFi Play-In Tournament and safe a tenth straight playoff berth. The Bucks went 8-7 throughout this most up-to-date stretch with out Antetokounmpo.

“We didn’t play ourself out of it,” Rivers stated earlier than the sport. “Obviously I’m competitive. I think we should have had an even better record. But not having your best player for that long and staying above .500 is huge for us.”

Milwaukee entered Monday’s motion eleventh within the Eastern Conference standings, 3.0 video games behind Tenth-place Charlotte. The groups that end seventh by Tenth compete in a event for the East’s two remaining playoff spots.

Rivers stated all through the final 5 weeks that the workforce had no plans to close down Antetokounmpo for the season though it would enhance Milwaukee’s draft place. Antetokounmpo additionally had indicated he wished to return.

“Giannis has worked his butt off,” Rivers stated. “He’s been frustrated over the last week because he wanted to work because he wanted to come back. I think they kept him out longer because of (his recent history of calf strains). We did that the first time. That didn’t work out. But listen, guys, this is basketball. You go out and play, and you’ve just got to hope he stays healthy.”

Milwaukee will draft in both its personal slot or in New Orleans’ spot within the first spherical, relying on which place is much less favorable.

This is a important time for the Bucks as a result of Antetokounmpo’s unsure future.

In October, Antetokounmpo turns into eligible to signal a four-year contract extension price as much as $275 million. He in any other case might turn into a free agent on the finish of subsequent season.

Although Antetokounmpo repeatedly has mentioned how a lot he loves taking part in in Milwaukee, he additionally has prioritized desirous to play on a workforce that’s dedicated to competing for championships. The Bucks received their first title in half a century in 2021 however haven’t superior past the second spherical of the playoffs since.

“Right now, as of today, I’m a Milwaukee Buck, and I’m committed to that,” Antetokounmpo stated throughout the All-Star break. “Now what happens if things move and change in the future, that change, I can’t control that. If I could predict the future, trust me, I’d be a billionaire.”

The Bucks went 8-2 with out Antetokounmpo from Feb. 3-25 however have misplaced their final two video games by a mixed 52 factors. Milwaukee was outscored 33-8 within the fourth quarter of a 120-97 loss at Chicago on Sunday that ended the Bulls’ 11-game skid.

Antetokounmpo entered Monday averaging 28 factors, 10 rebounds and 5.6 assists. He can be ranked eighth within the NBA in scoring, ninth in rebounding and simply exterior the highest 25 in assists if he had performed sufficient video games to qualify.

He was chosen to a tenth straight All-Star Game this season, although his harm prevented him from taking part in.