Bucks Injury Report: Update on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard’s Availability Status Tonight vs Jazz Amid Back-to-Back Games

As the Milwaukee Bucks face the Utah Jazz tonight in Salt Lake City, questions surround the availability of their lethal duo. And here’s the verdict. Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to play in tonight’s game. Despite being on the injury report for eight days due to shoulder and back issues, he has been upgraded from probable to available since January 27. And there’s more good news. Damian Lillard is also not featured on it, so he’s likely to play as well.

Currently on a back-to-back road game stretch, Milwaukee is coming off a win in Dallas, where the ‘Greek Freak’ had 48 points and 10 assists to comfortably take the game 129-117. Antetokounmpo has maintained a regular presence for the Bucks despite facing injury challenges. He has played in 47 games this season, with only 2 absences – one for rest and another due to a right shoulder contusion.

On the other hand, Damian Lillard has quietly been contributing to the Bucks’ success. In the last game, he had 30 points and shot 10 for 11 attempts. In their previous matchup, Lillard wasn’t present, citing personal reasons. This begs the question of whether “Freak-time” will feature together against the Jazz.

Under the guidance of new head coach Doc Rivers, the Bucks ended their two-game losing streak as they entered their fourth road game within seven days. Giannis is set to participate in his seventh consecutive back-to-back game without any missed appearances thus far. Heading to Utah, the Bucks will be looking to extend their lead, with Giannis leading the charge. However, what is his record against Salt Lake City like?

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Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Utah Jazz: A closer look

In his 20 encounters with the Utah Jazz, Giannis Antetokounmpo has secured 6 victories and suffered 14 losses, maintaining averages of 24.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. These numbers look on point, considering his career averages. Among notable performances was a game where he achieved 50 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks. In their recent encounter on January 8 at Fiserv Forum, Giannis notched a triple-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. However, the Bucks fell to the Jazz 132-116.

Antetokounmpo has displayed an MVP-caliber performance throughout the season, and his presence will significantly enhance the Bucks’ chances in their upcoming road rematch against the Jazz, despite the latter boasting a strong 15-7 record at home. With Brook Lopez sidelined, Giannis is poised to take on a more prominent defensive role, tasked with guarding forward Lauri Markkanen. Simultaneously, he’ll play a pivotal role in creating offensive opportunities for Khris Middleton and Damian Lillard.

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