Will Giannis Antetokounmpo & Kevin Durant Play Tonight? Bucks vs Nets: Predictions, Injury Report & Lineups

Milwaukee Bucks will play hosts to the mighty Brooklyn Nets in this blockbuster NBA clash. While the Nets are topping the Eastern Conference Table, the Bucks are just 3.5 games behind in third place. But the major question mark is whether Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant will lace up their boots to face off this afternoon.

Date & Time: May 2, 2021, 2:30pm ET

Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee

Record: Bucks (39-24), Nets (43-21)

Preview | Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo twisted his ankle just a minute into the Bucks’ 136-143 loss against the Rockets. Since that ankle had already been bothering him this season, he had to watch their 108-98 win over the Bulls from the sidelines, a couple of days ago.

However, the medical staff have listed him as probable for the Brooklyn Nets encounter. So, he is likely to come back into the starting lineup in place of Bobby Portis. Also, Donte DiVincenzo will also return after being rested against the Bulls.

Back-up guard, Axel Toupane, is the only unavailability in the roster (reason not listed).

Starting 5 for Milwaukee Bucks

Guard – Donte DiVincenzo

Guard – Jrue Holiday

Center – Brook Lopez

Forward – Khris Middleton

Forward – Giannis Antetokounmpo

Preview | Brooklyn Nets

 The Nets rested Kevin Durant in their recent 109-128 loss against the Blazers. But he’s all set to make his return against the Bucks this afternoon. Though the final component of the Big 3, James Harden, is not expected to return this week.

Nicolas Claxton has also returned to the practice courts after missing a chunk of time because of COVID protocols, but he won’t be lining up on the court anytime soon.

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Other than that, we are placing our bets on Blake Griffin starting ahead of DeAndre Jordan at center position. The coach will also relegate Jeff Green to the bench to make way for Durant.

Starting 5 for Brooklyn Nets

Guard – Kyrie Irving

Guard – Landry Shamet

Center – Blake Griffin

Forward – Joe Harris

Forward – Kevin Durant

Predictions | Bucks vs Nets

Ignoring the absence of James Harden, this match will serve as a stimulation of a potential NBA Eastern Conference Finals matchup between these two teams with the playoffs fast approaching. Re-iterating on Harden’s absence, the Bucks will be the slight favorites because of that reason.