Giannis Antetokounmpo expected to play on Christmas

Adrian Wojnarowski: Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to make his return to the lineup vs. Boston today (2:30 PM ET, ABC), sources tell ESPN. After 10 days in protocols, the two-time MVP had a strong workout on Friday and – …

Adrian Wojnarowski: Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to make his return to the lineup vs. Boston today (2:30 PM ET, ABC), sources tell ESPN. After 10 days in protocols, the two-time MVP had a strong workout on Friday and — barring a setback — is expected to be available.

Source: Twitter @wojespn

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to make his return to the lineup vs. Boston today (2:30 PM ET, ABC), sources tell ESPN. After 10 days in protocols, the two-time MVP had a strong workout on Friday and — barring a setback — is expected to be available. – 9:48 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Antetokounmpo not on injury report after COVID absence, could play for Bucks on Christmas nba.nbcsports.com/2021/12/25/ant…8:01 AM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Giannis Antetokounmpo clears COVID protocols ahead of the Bucks’ Christmas Day matchup against the Celtics.
➡️ https://t.co/qCBKzggUJr pic.twitter.com/D4BgEvUkTE8:08 PM

Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Donte DiVincenzo (protocols) upgraded to questionable for tomorrow meaning he may finally make his season debut, while Giannis Antetokounmpo (as first reported by ESPN) and Bobby Portis are both no longer listed on the protocols list. – 4:15 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been cleared from health and safety protocols; he’s expected to get on the court today and decide tomorrow whether to play on Christmas against the Boston Celtics, sources tell @Adrian Wojnarowski and me. – 1:05 PM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
RPR MVP Predictor, determined by Rolling Player Ratings and team success:
1. Nikola Jokic: 14.96
2. Stephen Curry: 14.52
3. Kevin Durant: 14.09
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 13.79
5. Trae Young: 13.16
6. Donovan Mitchell: 12.73
7. Jarrett Allen: 12.37
8. DeMar DeRozan: 12.0 pic.twitter.com/44KezXcz9h11:50 AM

Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Nikola Jokic last night:
✅ 29 PTS
✅ 21 REB
✅ 5 AST
It’s the fourth time Jokic has tallied at least 25p/20r/5a, one more such game than all @Denver Nuggets combined since the franchise joined the NBA in 1976.
The only active player with more such games is Giannis Antetokounmpo (5). pic.twitter.com/12GkjhcGw510:21 AM

Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
No Luka. No Giannis. But it doesn’t mean no fun as Mavs host MIL. Mavs have won 3 of last 4 vs MIL and have won 16 of last 20 at AAC vs MIL. 3ptrs will be flying as MIL 4th & Mavs 5th in 3 pt att. @PeasRadio pre at 7. Tip w/Brad & me at 7:40 @theeagledallas2:53 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Bucks injury report for tonight’s game against the Mavericks:
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donte DiVincenzo, and Bobby Portis are OUT (health and safety protocols).
Sandro Mamukelashvili is OUT (non-COVID illness).
Brook Lopez is OUT (back surgery). – 2:36 PM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
RPR MVP Predictor, determined by Rolling Player Ratings and team success:
1. Nikola Jokic: 14.93
2. Stephen Curry: 14.46
3. Kevin Durant: 14.21
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 13.93
5. Trae Young: 13.29
6. Donovan Mitchell: 12.54
7. Jarrett Allen: 12.5
8. DeMar DeRozan: 12.16 pic.twitter.com/8JoK4npEV111:30 AM

StatMuse @statmuse
Jrue Holiday last 3 games, all without Giannis:
30.0 PPG
9.7 APG
56.3 FG% pic.twitter.com/jdzj248N7c10:35 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Thanasis Antetokounmpo was not happy about that one. He’s felt he’s had a couple bad calls go against him tonight.
He appeared to be backing away and trying to avoid contact on purpose. Got whistled for his sixth foul anyways. – 10:27 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
In four minutes of action, Thanasis Antetokounmpo has picked up four fouls tonight. – 9:01 PM

More on this storyline

Shams Charania: Milwaukee Bucks guard Donte DiVincenzo will make his season debut on Christmas Day vs. the Boston Celtics, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. DiVincenzo was set to return Dec. 15 from June ankle surgery before entering protocols. Now, he’s back. -via Twitter @ShamsCharania / December 25, 2021