Doc Rivers said he expects Giannis Antetokounmpo to play tonight, though the Milwaukee Bucks head coach added the star forward will likely be on a minutes limit in his return from a calf injury.
Rivers acknowledged the return comes without an ideal buildup, noting the team did not have a full practice or shootaround before the game.
"It's not the ideal way of bringing them back in, but the fact that he's available, you put them in and you figure it out," Rivers said.
Watch: Doc Rivers provides an update on Giannis ahead of Monday night's game
Antetokounmpo has missed significant time this season with calf injuries. Rivers said the star has been eager to return and at times, had to be held back.
"He's been frustrated over the last week because he wanted to come back. I think they kept him out longer because of it," Rivers said.
Despite the extended absence, Milwaukee has stayed above .500 and is now 3 games back of the final play-in spot, an improvement from 4 games back when Antetokounmpo first went out.
"Not having your best player for that long and staying above 500 is huge for us," Rivers said.
Rivers said the team has found an identity without Antetokounmpo but acknowledged the lineup balance will be a key challenge going forward, particularly when the star is on the bench.
"The plus minus stuff with Giannis on the floor is always plus, and then when he's off the floor, it's been a minus for the most part. And we have to turn that into a plus or even," Rivers said.
Rivers also addressed Antetokounmpo's chemistry with newer teammates. He said the forward has developed a strong connection with Ousmane Dieng during recent workouts, but has had limited time with Cam Thomas, who only recently joined practice sessions.
"They were phenomenal together," Rivers said of Antetokounmpo and Ousmane.
As for the stretch of home games ahead, Rivers said he is not looking at the big picture.
"I don't go five, I go one. Tonight's a big game for us, and then the next game is a big game for us," Rivers said.
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