Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly expected to make his return on Monday against Celtics

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is reportedly expected to return on Monday against the Boston Celtics, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Antetokounmpo has been out with a calf strain.

Antetokounmpo has battled the calf strain for most of this season. He first suffered the injury in early December and missed eight games before returning on Dec. 27 against the Bulls. In his first game back, he showcased his explosiveness with a windmill dunk in the final seconds of the game.

The 31-year-old’s return comes at an interesting time. At 26-33, the Bucks are currently 11th in the standings and four games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the final play-in spot. While the Bucks held on to Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline, there is no guarantee he will remain with the team after this offseason.

With Antetokounmpo having played only 30 games this season, he is no longer eligible for NBA awards such as MVP or All-NBA honors. The NBA requires players to appear in at least 65 games to qualify.

Antetokounmpo appears to still want to compete despite trade speculation, award ineligibility, and no guarantees of making the playoffs or play-in tournament. In the Nuggets game in which he reinjured himself, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said he tried to take his superstar out of the game, but Antetokounmpo was adamant about staying in.

Rivers told reporters in January that there were no plans to shut Antetokounmpo down, despite there being no clear timetable for his return. He also said he has noticed similar injuries to players around the league and is still trying to determine the best way to keep Antetokounmpo on the court.

Despite the Bucks not wanting to rush him back and risk reinjury, Antetokounmpo was seen practicing in early February. He also told reporters before the trade deadline that he wanted to be in Milwaukee.

Antetokounmpo will provide a significant boost to the Bucks, who have lost their last two games. He is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. The Bucks are 11–17 without him this season.