Milwaukee is getting ready to welcome Giannis Antetokounmpo back. According to sources within the franchise, the Greek star is strongly leaning toward returning Saturday night against the Chicago Bulls, following an eight-game absence due to a right calf issue.

The injury occurred on December 3, in the opening minutes of the game against the Detroit Pistons. From that moment on, Milwaukee went through a tough stretch: just two wins in eight games without Antetokounmpo, a record that says more than any analysis about the impact of the Greek superstar.

The return is not official yet. Antetokounmpo will still need to pass the final pre-game tests from the medical staff, but the overall feeling is one of cautious optimism.

With a fragile record and standings that offer no mercy, a possible return against Chicago would be far more than a simple injury update. It would be a potential turning point, both technically and emotionally.

Milwaukee knows it can’t afford any more slip-ups. And once again, Giannis is expected to make the difference.