Will Giannis Antetokounmpo Play Tonight? Bucks Star’s Latest Injury Update Before the Nets Clash

Milwaukee Bucks will host the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Forum. Ahead of this Eastern Conference clash, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a concern for the Bucks. Antetokounmpo is dealing with a hamstring injury which meant he sat out his side’s defeat to Conference leaders Boston Celtics on Wednesday as well as the earlier 140-129 home win over Phoenix.

For the Bucks’ game against the Nets, Antetokounmpo carries a game-time decision tag. He didn’t travel with the team for their clash against Boston and it is possible he could sit out this one too. Antetokounmpo said he first felt the hamstring on March 10 in Los Angeles but played the next two games in Sacramento (March 12) and against Philadelphia (March 14). But will his possible absence affect the Bucks? It certainly did against the Celtics.

Without Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee could not clinch a win for themselves against the Celtics 122-110 on the road. And this was despite the great performances by Damian Lillard (32 points) and Bobby Portis Jr (24 points). In his absence this season, the Bucks have gone 3-2. Antetokounmpo’s impact on the Bucks is also evident from the two clashes the Bucks have had with the Nets this season.

Milwaukee won the last two meetings against Brooklyn this season, both on the road. They beat them 129-125 on November 6 and emerged victorious 144-122 on December 27. Antetokounmpo averaged 34 points and 11 rebounds in the two victories. But given the current predicament of the Nets, the Bucks should be able to see them off.

Bucks have played well this season and sit second in the Eastern conference. The Nets have struggled with a 26-43 standing. They’re at the 11th spot in the Eastern Conference, with 6 losses in the last 7 games. It could be an easy run for the Bucks, considering the situation Brooklyn is in. As the Bucks prepare themselves for back-to-back showdowns, Giannis‘ unavailability may not affect the outcome of this match as he is the only player whose status remains under a cloud for the Bucks.

As for Brooklyn, there are four players on their injury report. Diam Finney-Smith is “out” because of an ankle injury, along with Ben Simmons and Dariq Whitehead, who are suffering from back and left shin injuries respectively. Nic Claxton is listed as “questionable” because of his illness. Let us take a look at the predicted line up for both the teams.

Predicted Lineups Milwaukee Bucks vs Brooklyn Nets

The Bucks’ home record has been amazing, winning 27 games and losing just 7. They will look to bounce back after their recent loss to the Celtics. This is what their starting lineup could look like tonight: Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, Damian Lillard.

On the other hand, the Brooklyn Nets have struggled recently. They have just won 3 out of their last 10 games and are on a 4 game losing streak. Nets will need to improve their defense and find more offensive consistency to compete with the Bucks. Nets have scored 108.0 points per game this season, and they have conceded 113.6 points per game. Cam Thomas has been their main player this season, scoring 21.5 points per game, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. This is how they could lineup: Cam Thomas, Seth Curry, Mikal Bridges, Royce O’Neale, Spencer Dinwiddie.

The “Greek Freak’s” availability, which is unlikely, can impact the overall outcome of the game, but the Bucks should have enough in the tank to get back to winning ways. The responsibility falls on Lillard and others to get a win tonight. Bucks vs Nets will tip off at 8:00 PM ET. Stay tuned for more updates!

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