Bucks Injury Report: Dark Cloud Over Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Availability as Milwaukee Face Grizzlies

Although the Milwaukee Bucks sit in the third spot in the East, their recent performances shed light on the underlying issues within the team. They are coming off an underwhelming 2-2 home stand, which culminated in a 97-123 blowout loss to the shorthanded Miami Heat. Miami, without Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, and Josh Richardson, successfully limited Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard to a combined 39 points. They struggled right from the onset, as the Heat took a 40-28 first-quarter lead. The gap kept widening, as the Bucks trailed by as many as 31 points at one point.

However, the Bucks will look to right their ship when they meet the injury-ridden Memphis Grizzlies tonight at FedExForum. But securing a win tonight might be an uphill battle, as the Bucks could potentially be without their All-Star duo.

The Bucks’ All-Star duo ‘probable’ for tonight’s game versus the Grizzlies

Both Antetokounmpo and Lillard have been listed as probable to play on Thursday on the team’s injury report. However, they are most likely going to play through their injuries, as has been the case most of the season. Despite appearing on the injury report throughout this month due to his lingering right knee tendinitis, the Greek Freak has only missed two games this season. Therefore, chances are he is going to suit up against the Grizzlies. Meanwhile, Lillard is dealing with an inflamed left ankle, which also kept him out on Feb. 6 and Feb. 8.

The only player ruled out is Khris Middleton, who will be missing his fifth straight game due to a sprained left ankle. The Bucks could start the game with Damian Lillard, Malik Beasley, Jae Crowder, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Brook Lopez.

Memphis Grizzlies injury report and predicted starting lineup

On the other side of the court, the Memphis Grizzlies are decimated with injuries to most of their key players. After a brief period of bliss, their star guard, Ja Morant, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, dashing all hopes of even clinching a play-in berth. The Grizzlies will also miss the services of Jake LaRavia (ankle), Desmond Bane (ankle), Marcus Smart (finger), and Brandon Clarke (Achilles), while Scotty Pippen Jr. (illness) is listed as day-to-day. The Grizzlies could open the game with Luke Kennard, John Konchar, Vince Williams, Santi Aldama, and Jaren Jackson Jr.

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The Grizzlies will play on the second night of the back-to-back after beating the Houston Rockets 121-113 at home. They’ll be hoping to keep that momentum going tonight when they go against the Bucks. Despite their poor performances, they have found some hope in GG Jackson. The 19-year-old forward has been on a tear recently, scoring a career-high 27 points off the bench last Thursday. Since he started getting consistent, he has made every single one count, averaging 13.4 points on 45.7 percent shooting, including 38.8 percent from three since Jan. 13.

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