The news of Giannis Antetokounmpo's expected return tonight versus Boston could not have come at a better time. Following wins over Miami and Cleveland to tip off the week, the Milwaukee Bucks were drubbed by the Knicks and, on Sunday, had their doors completely blown off in the second half against Chicago. The gut-punch loss saw the Bucks surrender a 27-0 run between the third and fourth quarters.
You read that right. 27-0.
Now, the Greek Freak is evidently back, the ideal medicine to wash away the bitter taste of a humiliating collapse.
Bucks badly need their floor general back on the court
The left calf strain Giannis sustained late in a loss to Denver has held him out since January 23, spanning over five weeks and 15 games. His teammates bounced back after losing their first three without him, but the Bucks are coming back to earth as the schedule difficulty rises.
Although they took care of the Pelicans in their first game after the All-Star break, they went 2-2 against the Raptors, Heat, Cavaliers, and Knicks and gave one away versus the Bulls. Toronto was missing its best player, forward Scottie Barnes, and won handily. Cleveland was down its top three players and fell a putback shy of forcing overtime.
As impressive as any winning is in Antetokounmpo's absence, the Bucks have not, perhaps, been quite as competent as their 8-7 record since his calf strain suggests. Cam Thomas and Ousmane Dieng have helped to be sure, but the magic is wearing off. Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins can only do so much by themselves. The roster needs its tank commander back in charge.
Giannis' return versus Celtics would provide crucial boost
Ahead of a softer slate down the stretch, the Bucks' next matchup doesn't get any easier, facing the current two-seed in the East. At 40-20 overall, the Celtics aren't slowing down one bit. They are 8-2 in their past 10 games. Last time the two teams played, on February 1, Boston throttled Milwaukee 107-79. Another blowout in the wake of the meltdown in Chicago would be beyond demoralizing.
More than that, the Bucks can't afford to lose many more games in any fashion. With six weeks left in the regular season, they have slipped three games behind Charlotte for the final Play-In spot. Time is running out. Playing .500 ball from hereon out just isn't going to cut it.
Of course, even with Giannis, the Bucks are 15-15. Not great. They do, however, have reinforcement in Thomas and Dieng. The past two games notwithstanding, Porter and Rollins have both been on heaters. Adding Antetokounmpo to the mix, even on a minutes restriction, might be the jolt that gets this ship upright. He is, after all, a two-time MVP having another MVP-caliber season.
The only thing left is to turn the good feeling of his imminent return into tangible, productive results.