Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are in a heated race for the Eastern Conference's top spot. They could potentially be getting a huge boost with the looming return of Brook Lopez.

The Bucks' lumbering center is now ready for contact and on-court scrimmaging, which is a huge step in his recovery from back surgery earlier this season. 

Via Eric Nehm of The Athletic:

“Brook is going to start contact and five-on-five scrimmaging, which really doesn't happen much this time of year and so he hadn't had any of that yet,” Budenholzer said. “It's another good positive step for him.”

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Brook Lopez has missed every game this season save for the season opener against the Brooklyn Nets. The Bucks have been able to maintain a solid record despite missing their man in the middle. But inserting Lopez to the mix adds another shot-blocker in the paint alongside former DPOY Giannis Antetokounmpo and an additional floor-spacer from the five spot.

His eventual return would also push back Bobby Portis to the bench, which fortifies their second unit even further.

The Milwaukee Bucks went all the way with virtually the same key cogs from last season, Brook Lopez being one of them. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. could definitely use him back.