Will Giannis Antetokounmpo Play Tonight? Milwaukee Bucks vs Charlotte Hornets: Prediction, Injury Updates, and Lineups

The Milwaukee Bucks have been winless in their recent two games, but hold the third seed in the East. As for their upcoming game, they play the Charlotte Hornets, a team that has been defying all odds this season.

Venue: Fiserv Forum

Time: 9:00 PM ET (April 9, 2021) 

Friday’s game will be the second fixture between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Charlotte Hornets this season. It was the Hornets who came out on top during their first meeting on January 30. However, the Bucks would be eager to make the most of the remaining two fixtures against Charlotte this season. 

Milwaukee Bucks vs Charlotte Hornets: Injury Updates and Lineups

Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have gone 18-9 in Eastern Conference games this season. Furthermore, Milwaukee is 5-5 in its last ten games, averaging 116.6 points, 46.1 rebounds, while shooting 49.0% from the field. 

The Bucks have been unstoppable in fast-break plays, and Giannis Antetokounmpo has been integral in organizing the team’s defensive structure on the court. However, it is highly unlikely that he will play against the Hornets due to an ankle injury.

Only P. J. Tucker will miss the Charlotte game besides Antetokounmpo. The rest of the roster is healthy and would look to seal their first win against the Hornets this season. 

Possible Lineup

Jrue Holiday (G) 

Donte DiVincenzo (G) 

Khris Middleton (F) 

Bobby Portis (F) 

Brook Lopez (C) 

Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets have truly been the surprise package this season. Powered by rookie LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward, the Hornets have been exceeding expectations with the results. 

Moreover, Terry Rozier has been the architect of the Hornets’ success this season. He’s averaging 20.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game and has been terrific on the offensive end. 

However, both Ball and Hayward will miss the Bucks game due to long-term injuries. Malik Monk, too, is part of the list as he’s out for a couple of weeks due to an ankle injury. 

Possible Lineup

Devonte’ Graham (G) 

Terry Rozier (G) 

Miles Bridges (F) 

P.J. Washington (F) 

Bismack Biyombo (C) 

Prediction

The Charlotte Hornets are massively shorthanded due to injuries. The Bucks, too, will suffer without franchise player Giannis Antetokounmpo running the lines on the court. 

However, the Bucks are a stronger team when compared to a Hornets unit without LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward. While Charlotte has got the wins, the Bucks are expected to overpower them on Friday. 

We’re predicting that the Milwaukee Bucks will triumph against the Charlotte Hornets and get their 33rd win of the season.

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