The Milwaukee Bucks are getting a key piece back as they look to claw their way into a playoff spot.
Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to return to the lineup Monday as the Bucks take on the Boston Celtics, ESPN's Shams Charania reported.
Antetokounmpo has been out of the lineup since suffering a right calf strain on Jan. 23 against the Denver Nuggets.
He missed eight games earlier in the season after suffering a similar injury to the same calf.
The 31-year-old two-time MVP has been as productive as ever in the games he has suited up for, averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting 64.5 per cent from the field in 30 games.
While Antetokounmpo is the engine for the Bucks, the team has kept its head above water in his absence, going 8-7 in the 15 games he missed over this stint on the sidelines. However, sitting at 26-33, the Bucks remain three games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the final play-in spot.
The Bucks put together an 8-2 stretch without Antetokounmpo from Feb. 3-25 but have lost their last two games by a combined 52 points. The Bucks were outscored 33-8 in the fourth quarter of a 120-97 loss at Chicago on Sunday that ended the Bulls’ 11-game skid.
Antetokounmpo was selected to a 10th straight all-star game this season, though his injury prevented him from playing.
--with files from The Associated Press
