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Giannis Antetokounmpo Returns to Bucks' Starting Lineup vs. Celtics After 5-Week Calf Layoff

Milwaukee aims to steady a 26-33 season by managing his return on a minutes limit.

Overview

  • The two-time MVP was activated after being listed as questionable and started against Boston on Monday night.
  • Doc Rivers confirmed Antetokounmpo would play under a minutes restriction in his first game back.
  • He missed 15 straight games with a right calf strain suffered Jan. 23 and has sat 29 games total this season, rendering him ineligible for end-of-season awards.
  • The Bucks entered the matchup three games out of the East’s final play-in spot after going 8-7 without him during this stretch.
  • Boston scratched Jaylen Brown (illness) and Neemias Queta (rest), while reporting around the Feb. 5 deadline indicated teams inquired about Antetokounmpo but Milwaukee did not pursue a trade.