Tonight, March might just give the warmth of May. You might have to double-check your calendar for that because the Milwaukee Bucks are gearing up to face the league-topping Cleveland Cavaliers in a clash that could easily look like an Eastern Conference playoff preview. The stage is all set for the showdown, but the team’s latest update on Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s availability could flip the script for the Bucks. So will the Bucks’ best bet watch it from the sidelines or hit the court to lead?

The Cavs already hold a 3-0 record against Milwaukee this season, so the scale is already tilting in their favor. And what if the Bucks lose their star player, Giannis, for this matchup? Well, that could spell disaster. Cleveland is on a 13-game winning streak and they’ll do anything to keep it going, especially at a crucial moment like this. And just when Bucks fans needed a break, the franchise dropped disheartening news about the 30-year-old.

Hours before the game, the Bucks announced that Giannis is listed as probable for Sunday. It’s a strain in his calf that’s landed him on the injury list. It’s the same left calf that kept him out of last season’s playoff run. Unfortunately for the Greek Freak, this injury has followed him into this season as well, with issues cropping up mainly since last month. For now, the franchise will monitor him before making a final decision on his status ahead of the game.

So far, Giannis has missed 12 games, averaging 30.9 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. With him in the lineup, the team has posted a 30-20 record this season. So, his presence is absolutely necessary, especially after his strong message about the upcoming game. “Got to be more physical. Obviously, they’re one of the best teams in the NBA. We know what we got to face,” he said in the locker room interview after their loss against the Magic.

Besides Giannis Antetokounmpo, there are several other players on the Bucks’ injury list which could give the Cavs an edge in the game.

Bucks vs Cavaliers injury report

Joining Giannis in the probable queue are two other players, their new acquisition Kyle Kuzma and Gary Trent Jr. Kuzma is dealing with an ankle sprain on his left foot, but the discomfort hasn’t slowed him down. He’s averaging 15.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per game in the new jersey. Meanwhile, Trent is suffering from a right knee hyperextension, which raises doubts about his availability for tonight’s game.

A sprained left ankle has sidelined the Bucks’ new two-way signing, Pete Nance, for the game. The team also made it clear that Pat Connaughton won’t be lacing up tonight, as he’s still recovering from a left calf strain. Apart from the injuries, Bobby Portis Jr.’s suspension for Tramadol use also kept him out of the lineup.

If you’re waiting for a Cavaliers injury report, don’t bother. While they’ve been playing like a powerhouse, the team has made sure to keep their players healthy, and none of them have hit the injury report for tonight’s game. So, for the Bucks, the nightmare at the moment is losing Giannis Antetokounmpo. Without the 2x MVP on the court, their chances could go from slim to nonexistent in a heartbeat. That’s something they wouldn’t want right now.

No matter which way the game goes, one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be an entertaining ride. So, you might want to cancel those Sunday night plans and tune in at 8:00 PM ET to not miss the live action from Fiserv Forum.