Giannis starts vs. Bulls after 8-game absence

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Chicago Bulls after missing the last eight contests with a right calf strain.

The two-time MVP cleared a pregame routine that was overseen by the team's training staff.

Antetokounmpo sustained the calf injury on Dec. 3. Milwaukee has gone 2-6 during his absence, a skid that's dropped the team to 11th in the Eastern Conference.

The nine-time All-Star has featured in only 17 of the Bucks' 31 games this season. He's been dominant when on the floor, averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists while shooting 64% from the field.

Milwaukee is 10-7 with him in the lineup.

Prior to the calf injury, Antetokounmpo missed additional time earlier this year because of a left adductor strain.