Giannis Antetokounmpo has cleared the NBA's health and safety protocols and could play Christmas Day against the Boston Celtics.

Antetokounmpo planned to get on the court Friday for a workout. He will make a decision on Saturday's game shortly before tipoff.

Antetokounmpo has been in protocols since Dec. 14th.

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed center Javin DeLaurier to a 10-day contract under the COVID-related hardship allowance.

DeLaurier has appeared in 12 games (5 starts) with the Wisconsin Herd this season and is averaging 7.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 17.0 minutes per game while shooting 60% from the field. The 6-10, 234-pound center spent the 2021 preseason with the Bucks, appearing in four preseason games.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Donte DiVincenzo's 2021-22 season debut will have to wait a little longer than anticipated. The fourth-year player was set to return from a foot injury on Wednesday night, but entered the NBA's health and safety protocols on the eve of debut.

DiVincenzo joined teammates Giannis Antetokounmpo and Wesley Matthews in the protocols. If DiVincenzo is unable to produce two negative tests at least 24 hours apart, he'll be out for a minimum of 10 days.

That delay would mean a late-December return for the team's starting shooting guard. DiVincenzo has been out since injuring his foot in late-May during the Bucks first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has entered the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols. 

Antetokounmpo went into the protocols a day after scoring 20 points in 34 minutes in a 117-103 loss to the Celtics in Boston.

Wesley Matthews has previously been in the protocols for the past two games. 

Tuesday's news now leaves Antetokounmpo's status for Milwaukee's rematch with Boston on Christmas Day in doubt.

Khris Middleton landed awkwardly late in the third quarter of the Milwaukee Bucks loss to the Boston Celtics on Monday night. After initially trying to run off the pain, Middleton took a foul and asked out of the game.

Initial tests showed Middleton suffered a hyperextended left knee. Postgame, Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said there is hope the injury won't keep Middleton out of the lineup for long.

"We'll know more tomorrow, but I think there's some hope that it's not serious," Budenholzer said. "But you've got to weigh it and give it time."

Middleton is Milwaukee's second-leading scorer at 17.8 points per game. He's also averaging 5.7 rebounds and 4.9 assist per contest. 

Donte DiVincenzo will make his season debut on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers.

DiVincenzo has been practicing with the Milwaukee Bucks' NBA G League affiliate Wisconsin Herd in preparation for his comeback.

DiVincenzo has been out since tearing a ligament in his ankle in the first round of the playoffs. DiVincenzo started all 66 games last season with the Bucks.

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed Wesley Matthews.

In a related transaction, the Bucks have requested waivers on rookie guard Georgios Kalaitzakis.

A 6-5 guard, Matthews averaged 4.8 points and 1.6 rebounds in 19.5 minutes over 58 games (10 starts) for the Los Angeles Lakers last season.

“Wesley is a proven veteran whose shooting, defense and experience will help us,” said Jon Horst. “He is familiar with Coach Bud’s system and our team. We’re excited to have him back with us.”

Brook Lopez underwent successful back surgery in Los Angeles on Thursday. Lopez has been sidelined since the Bucks’ regular season opening win vs. Brooklyn on Oct. 19

The surgery was performed by Dr. Robert Watkins with oversight by Bucks team physician Dr. William Raasch of the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network.

Lopez will continue to be listed as out and updates on his rehabilitation progress will be provided as appropriate.