Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game this season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready to get back on the court for the Bucks.
Per multiple reports, Milwaukee’s star forward was expected to suit up tonight for the team’s road game against Chicago (8 ET, NBA League Pass). The Bucks confirmed his availability shortly before the game. Antetokounmpo has been out of Milwaukee’s lineup since suffering a strained right calf on Dec. 3 against the Detroit Pistons.
Giannis is AVAILABLE. pic.twitter.com/ToqOM864oY
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 28, 2025
The Bucks went 2-6 during Antetokounmpo’s absence and are No. 11 in the Eastern Conference at 12-19 overall. However, Milwaukee is just five games behind the Orlando Magic (No. 6 seed) and Philadelphia 76ers (No. 5 seed) and 5 1/2 games behind the Toronto Raptors for the No. 4 seed.
Antetokounmpo injured his calf in the opening minutes of a 113-109 victory over the Pistons. He had just assisted on AJ Green’s layup less than three minutes into the game when he headed back up the court and slipped in the painted area.
Antetokounmpo went down, clutched his right leg and was eventually helped up before walking to the locker room. His calf injury comes after Antetokounmpo missed four games in November with a left adductor strain.
During his rehab, Antetokounmpo said he was focused on getting healthy and not on trade rumors that have swirled about him at times this season.
“There’s going to be conversations that are going to be made between (my agent) and the Bucks, and him and his other players, and him and other teams and other GMs, executives around the league,” Antetokounmpo said during the 24-minute media session on Dec. 18. “It’s something that you can’t control. But, at the end of the day, I personally have not had the conversation with the Bucks. I’m still locked in, locked in on my teammates. Most importantly, locked in on me getting back healthy.”
ESPN reported before the season that the Bucks and New York Knicks engaged in trade talks regarding Antetokounmpo in August but never gained traction on a potential deal. Antetokounmpo spoke to reporters one day later and said he’s “locked in” with the Bucks but acknowledged the possibility he could eventually change his mind.
The idea that Antetokounmpo could request a trade has been the talk of the NBA ever since.
“This is the most I’ve been ever talked about in my career,” Antetokounmpo said in mid-December. “I’m in my house with my kids and all that and I’m opening the TV and it’s like, ‘Oh, Giannis is going to the Memphis Grizzlies,’ or ‘Giannis is going to the Detroit Pistons.’ Which, hey man, I’m not going to lie, I’m the hottest chick in the game right now. No, I’m joking.”
His injury looked similar to a calf strain that ended Antetokounmpo’s 2023-24 season prematurely. Antetokounmpo was heading up the court during an April 9 victory over the Boston Celtics that season when he grabbed his left calf and took a seat on the floor before being helped off the court.
Antetokounmpo went on to miss the Bucks’ final three regular-season games as well as their entire six-game loss to the Indiana Pacers in the opening round of the playoffs that season.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.