Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and the Milwaukee Bucks will be playing tonight against Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers. As many NBA fans should be aware, the 2023-2024 regular season has already begun with most teams across the league having played a little less than 10 games so far.
At the moment, the Bucks hold a record of 5 wins and 2 losses, giving them the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Almost immediately following them in terms of standings are the Pacers with a record of 5 wins and 2 losses.
As these teams get ready to face off, let us take a look at the injury reports and expected starting lineups for both sides. Additionally, fans can also stick around for a prediction regarding the outcome of this matchup.
Damian Lillard is listed as questionable for the Milwaukee Bucks vs Indiana Pacers game tonight
Before the Bucks managed to acquire Damian Lillard in a trade that included Jrue Holiday, one could make the argument that Middleton was the go-to scorer for the Bucks right behind the Greek Freak. Thus, Bucks fans will certainly be able to recall all the impressive plays that he has made for his team over the years.
Khris is 32 years old and steadily approaching the back end of his career. Therefore, the injuries that he has sustained over the years seem to be taking a toll. According to the injury reports, Middleton might miss this game against the Pacers due to knee injury maintenance and rest.
Besides Khris Middleton, the injury reports also indicate that Damian Lillard might not play in this game due to a calf injury. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to play despite going through his own ankle injury.
Since Middleton is not expected to play, the rest of the Bucks will have to step up to the occasion. That said, here are the injury reports and expected rosters for both sides.
Milwaukee Bucks injury report
- Khris Middleton (questionable)
Milwaukee Bucks expected starting lineup
- Damian Lillard
- Malik Beasley
- Bobby Portis
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Brook Lopez
Indiana Pacers injury report
(There are no injuries reported for the Pacers tonight)
Indiana Pacers expected starting lineup
- Tyrese Haliburton
- Bruce Brown Jr.
- Bennedict Mathurin
- Obi Toppin
- Myles Turner
As we can tell from the injury reports, Khris Middleton appears to be the only player from both sides who looks compromised for this matchup. Nonetheless, let us take a look at the predicitions for this game.
The Bucks are favored over the Pacers tonight
The Pacers and Bucks may have started off the NBA season with a similar record. However, there is no denying that Milwaukee is a significantly more talented and experienced team. The combination of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to help the Bucks get this win over the Pacers tonight. This is under the assumption that they play in this match.
🚨 Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) is listed probable while Damian Lillard (calf) is listed questionable for tonight’s Bucks game against the Pacers. pic.twitter.com/3l6ujZ5U8t
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 9, 2023
Be that as it may,, we shouldn’t ignore the fact that it is certainly possible for the Pacers to catch the Bucks off guard and win this game. Especially without Khris Middleton on the court. While this is still expected to be a close game, we have the Bucks winning tonight.