Dame returning from 4-game absence, Giannis remains out vs. Bulls

Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Damian Lillard will return to the lineup Saturday against the Chicago Bulls, the team announced.

Lillard had missed the last four games with a calf strain and an illness, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. He specifically addressed the latter with The Athletic's Eric Nehm, calling it one of the worst experiences he's ever been through.

"I've never been that sick before in my entire life," he said. "I wasn't throwing up, nothing. I just didn't eat for two days. I didn't eat at all. I didn't get up, nothing. I was down. It was bad."

He added that he lost a couple of pounds due to his illness.

However, Milwaukee remains without star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, also due to illness. Saturday's matchup marks the fourth straight absence for the 30-year-old.

Lillard initially hoped to return Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets but said he was "coughing up shit" during his workout the night before.

"I got through the workout, but I couldn't breathe good," Lillard said. "So, the last couple days ... just trying to work that stuff out, and it's still been having me super winded, but I guess at some point, you just gotta get out there and burn it out. So, that's what my plan is, at least."

The 34-year-old admitted that he's a "little nervous" to return considering how he's felt in practice, but he hopes playing in a game will make him feel better.

Lillard initially missed time due to a right calf strain he says he suffered in the NBA Cup semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks and then tweaked in the Cup final. He said it was always a mild strain and is now healed.

Lillard is averaging 25.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists through 22 games this season.

The Bucks have won five of their last seven games heading into Saturday. They sit fifth in the Eastern Conference.