Is Giannis Antetokounmpo coming back for the Bucks-Bulls game? Latest injury update

The Milwaukee Bucks could get a big boost Saturday night like Giannis Antetokounmpo is nearing a potential return from injury, while trade rumors continue to swirl around the franchise and its star forward. Milwaukee (12-19) will face the Chicago Bulls (15-15) at 8:00 PM ET as they look to stabilize their season amid mounting outside pressure.

As of 12:30 PM ET on Saturday, the Bucks had not yet released their official injury report. However, Eric Nehm of the Athletics reported that Antetokounmpo is likely to play pending final pregame evaluations.

“As long as he can pass pregame tests, the Bucks expect Giannis Antetokounmpo to return from his right calf strain and play Saturday against the Bulls, league and team sources confirm.”

Antetokounmpo has missed Milwaukee’s last eight games since suffered the injury during a 113–109 win over the Detroit Pistons December 3. Since his departure, the Bucks have gone 3-5, struggling to maintain consistency as they navigate a challenging stretch of the schedule and speculation surrounding the organization’s long-term direction.

As long as he can pass pregame tests, the Bucks expect Giannis Antetokounmpo to return from a strained right calf and play Saturday against the Bulls, league and team sources confirm.

At @TheAthletic: https://t.co/Fufr5o2rp0

— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) December 27, 2025

Giannis Antetokounmpo injury info key as Bucks face Bulls

The 31-year-old remains one of the league’s most productive players when healthy. Through 17 games this season, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game while shooting an efficient 63.9 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from three-point range in 29.1 minutes per game. His absence was felt on both ends of the floor as Milwaukee tried to adjust rotations and responsibilities.

Antetokounmpo’s potential return comes amid persistent trade talks surrounding the Bucks, fueled by the team’s record, recent injury setbacks and league-wide scrutiny of Milwaukee’s ability to build a contender around the former MVP. While the organization has not publicly signaled any intention to pivot, the buzz has followed the team throughout its current journey.

Milwaukee is coming off a 125-104 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night and will look to respond as they near the end of a five-game road trip. Saturday’s game in Chicago presents a key opportunity for the Bucks to regain momentum, especially if Antetokounmpo is cleared to play.

The road trip will conclude Monday night against the Charlotte Hornets (11-20) at 7:00 PM ET. Whether or not Antetokounmpo returns against the Bulls, his status remains crucial to Milwaukee’s immediate outlook as the team tries to stabilize the season amid injury concerns and ongoing trade speculation.