By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Amidst mounting uncertainty regarding his long-term future with the Milwaukee Bucks, superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is trending toward an imminent return. His recovery is a timely boost for a franchise desperate to ignite a late-season surge for a ticket to the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Before coaching the Bucks to a 128-117 victory over the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum, Doc Rivers provided an encouraging injury update, noting that the Greek Freak has participated in 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 drills with no setbacks.
Despite the on-court progress, the narrative surrounding the 31-year-old point forward remains dominated by trade speculation. Rumors are expected to intensify this offseason as rival teams prepare aggressive bids bolstered by newly available draft capital. Also, Giannis will be facing a pivotal career crossroads between committing to a long-term contract extension or settling on possibly becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Following Tuesday’s win, the Bucks improved to a 25-31 record in the 2025-26 Regular Season, leaving them just 1.5 games behind the final Eastern Conference Play-In spot. While French Ousmane Dieng impressed with 11 points, Giannis’ brothers were not part of the rotation, with Thanasis staying on the bench and Alex continuing his G League stint with the Wisconsin Herd.
European options for Erik Spoelstra lacked Serbia’s Nikola Jovic, who was sidelined by back tightness and returned to Miami. Swedish Pelle Larsson had ten points as a starter, with Lithuanian reserve Kasparas Jakucionis at two points. Italian Simone Fontecchio and Russian Vladislav Goldin did not play.