Milwaukee was once flying high on a thrilling 14-game win streak over Orlando going into last season. Last year, however, they split 4 games equally. The Orlando Magic further seeks to put a damper on that momentum and send the Bucks packing from the NBA Cup. As each team prepares, tonight’s matchup promises to be a real thriller. The Bucks want to continue their streak, but the Magic are a pretty tough well-defended team. It is looking like this will be a game you don’t want to miss! Now, we move to the injury report.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, listed as probable, has been suffering from right patella tendinopathy. Following practice on Friday, the coach said Antetokounmpo “was good” and participated in the session. He averages 32.5 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, playing as a force to be reckoned with! The Greek Freak’s health is crucial for Milwaukee’s prospects this evening—without him, the team would struggle to keep its offensive rhythm and defensive intensity intact.

Another storyline of interest will be the probable return of Khris Middleton, who is slowly but steadily coming out of bilateral ankle surgery. He’s averaging 11 points in 2 games. “He’s progressing,” Rivers said. “I’m going to keep saying it. You can ask as many questions as you want. It’s not going to make him come back faster.” Potent scoring and leadership experience are crucial for the Milwaukee side. His playmaking, especially in crunch time, will be important in such an intense matchup.

Versatile forward MarJon Beauchamp has landed on the injury report with left hamstring tendinopathy. Though still listed as probable, his defensive abilities and the depth he brings off the bench will be sorely missed if he can’t get on the court. Beauchamp’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor adds a vital dimension to the Bucks’ rotation.

Chris Livingston, who’s been fighting a bruised left ankle, will sit out for tonight’s game. Given the injury concerns and considering that all Bucks starters will have to prove their mettle if they are to triumph- this psychological and physical burden will be heavy. But depth and star power do remain excellent tools that the Bucks will use in their drive toward the NBA Cup.

Milwaukee Bucks Depth Chart:

Note: DD: Day-to-Day

Milwaukee’s solid run to the NBA Cup quarterfinals, Bucks hold the edge despite strong Orlando defense

Milwaukee Bucks enter the NBA Cup knockout stage seeking their first title. The Bucks are 12-11 in their regular season. Their offense is among the best in the league when fit. Especially free throw attempts, with 23.1 per game being quite a decent stat line. They are very dominant in transition and also control the half-court situation, which makes them very hard to beat. The other area is the Bucks’ defense, led by Brook Lopez and Giannis, which remains a cornerstone of their quest for the NBA Cup.

If Milwaukee advances, they will probably face either the Atlanta Hawks or the New York Knicks in Las Vegas for the semi-finals. The likely opponent at the final if they get that far is one of the Western Conference’s powerhouses, whether it may be the Dallas Mavericks, OKC Thunder, Golden State Warriors, or the Houston Rockets.

With the stakes at an all-time high, the Bucks are set to go deep with their championship pedigree and sheer determination. In this game, the Bucks come with a very interesting blend of star power alongside experience. Giannis Antetokounmpo has almost turned unstoppable this season. His contribution on both ends of the floor is visible. Milwaukee’s offense should be in good shape and is excited to have Dame back, not to mention Khris Middleton also returning to the lineup. The Bucks are very good at drawing free throws and pounding the glass in transition, making them a nightmare opponent for any team.

Nonetheless, the Magic has been quite resilient. A stingy defense that yields only 103 points per game is the base of their success. Without Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, Orlando has showcased they’re good enough to compete with any team in the league. Their ability to force a few mistakes, and turnovers, and capitalize on such chances may be the difference-maker.

The depth of either side will certainly affect the final result. Milwaukee is in a better position because they have an almost intact lineup, whereas Orlando has to depend on its defensive strategies and the second string to compensate for the absence of essential personnel. This game is turning out to be a very competitive fight, and it will all just depend on who can better handle the pressure.

Will Milwaukee draw on experience and star power or will Orlando continue on this journey on sheer grit and defense? Fans can look forward to an exciting match that will set the tone for the rest of the NBA Cup tournament.

Don’t miss the game today at 7:00 PM ET on TNT!