Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is reportedly getting closer to making his long-awaited return to the court.
ESPN’s Jamal Collier reported on Tuesday’s episode of NBA Today that Antetokounmpo “is going to play again this season, perhaps as soon as sometime later this month after the All-Star break.”
Antetokounmpo suffered a right calf strain on Jan. 23, his second calf injury of the 2025-26 season, and was given a recovery timeline of four to six weeks. Collier added on Tuesday that sources said the two-time NBA MVP “is hoping to trend on the shorter end of that timeline.”
The 2025-26 campaign has been a rollercoaster ride for Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. After months of trade rumors surrounding the 31-year-old, he ultimately wasn’t moved at the Feb. 5 deadline, though there’s a chance Milwaukee could explore trade offers again over the summer.
With their star player in and out of the lineup, the Bucks have struggled to keep pace in the Eastern Conference, ranking 12th with a 21-30 record. In his 30 appearances this season, Antetokounmpo has been as dominant as ever, averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting 64.5 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three-point range.
Getting Antetokounmpo back healthy would surely boost Milwaukee’s chances of fighting for a playoff spot.
Until Antetokounmpo is able to return, the Bucks will continue to rely on veteran forwards Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis to fill his role. The team’s next game will be on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic (28-24).