Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight against the Miami Heat? Latest on Bucks superstar's availability (Jan. 23)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to suit up against the Miami Heat at the Fiserv Forum on Thursday. With their first game of the back-to-back cancelled with snowstorms in New Orleans, the Bucks will now return home to host the drama-riddled Heat outfit. The 2x NBA MVP though is expected to play against the Heat despite battling a knee issue.

Antetokounmpo's return date was listed Jan. 23 per Rotowire. He was listed as probable ahead of the matchup against the Pelicans. The forward, unless downgraded to questionable last minute will take on the Heat at home. The 'Greek Freak' is in the middle of another MVP-caliber season averaging 31.5 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game.

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Rajon Rondo weighs in on the dominant player between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shaquille O'Neal

Earlier, former NBA champion Rajon Rondo weighed in on who was a more dominant force between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shaquille O'Neal. Speaking on a recent episode of 'Run it Back', Rondo shared his two cents:

"He’s one of one. He’s his own person, his own identity as far as something we’ve never seen in our game before. I think he is more dominant in the paint than Shaq. Times are different and I don’t want to go at it with Shaq or anything, but I’m saying I think his percentages are greater, and I think he’s scored more points in the paint."

Antetokounmpo's performances have catapulted the Bucks into title contenders after they overcame a torrid start to the season. Milwaukee is 7-3 in their last 10 games and is on a four-game winning streak. The string of wins sees them take fourth place in the East with a 24-17 record.

Following their home clash against the Heat, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks hit the road for a four-game road trip where they will look to better their 8-10 record this season.

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