Giannis Antetokounmpo might’ve gotten a big wish granted during the off-season. The Milwaukee Bucks are thriving at the moment, in an extremely tough Eastern Conference roster. They were on a beautiful five-game win streak before losing to the Boston Celtics two games ago. The Bucks are coming off an insane win while securing the third seed in the East with a record of 11 wins and 5 losses.
Giannis, Dame, and Brook Lopez COMBINED for 101 PTS to keep the Bucks atop East Group B at 3-0 😤
Brook Lopez: 39 PTS, 4 3PM, 3 BLK
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 31 PTS, 9 REB, 3 STL
Damian Lillard: 31 PTS, 10 AST, 7 REB
The @Bucks fourth NBA In-Season Tournament game is Tuesday,… pic.twitter.com/Sqtcdoj25K
— NBA (@NBA) November 25, 2023
Their upcoming opponents, the Portland Trail Blazers are on the other side of the spectrum. Interestingly, they lost Damian Lillard to the Bucks weeks before the 2023-24 season commenced. Right now, they’ve been struggling to keep up with their division. Portland recently won a game after losing eight matchups before that. Milwaukee will host their opponents at the Fiserv Forum.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as probable for the Bucks vs. Blazers game
The Bucks have listed Giannis Antetokounmpo as probable due to a non-COVID-19 illness. Antetokounmpo is coming off an incredible 31-point game against the Washington Wizards. He’s averaging 29.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game this season. Khris Middleton has entered the injury report once again with Achilles Tendonitis. It will take a couple of days before he returns to the court. Jae Crowder is expected to miss at least eight weeks due to a left adductor and abdominal tear.
The Blazers also have a few injuries listed at the moment. Perhaps their biggest name on the list is Deandre Ayton. After enduring a back injury, Ayton is listed as probable against the Bucks. Justin Minaya hasn’t recovered from illness as yet and remains on day-to-day observation. Anfernee Simons, Ish Wainright, and Robert Williams III will be sidelined for the foreseeable future as well.
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III is facing potential season-ending surgery to repair bone and ligament damage due to right kneecap injury, sources tell me and @JaredWeissNBA. Williams and doctors could also choose cleanup procedure with 2-to-3 month timetable.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 7, 2023
Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Probable)
- Khris Middleton (Out)
- Jae Crowder (Out)
Milwaukee Bucks Expected Lineup:
- Damian Lillard
- Malik Beasley
- Pat Connaughton
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Brook Lopez
Portland Trail Blazers Injury Report:
- Deandre Ayton (Probable)
- Justin Minaya (Out)
- Anfernee Simons (Out)
- Ish Wainright (Out)
- Robert Williams III (Out)
Portland Trail Blazers Expected Lineup:
- Scoot Henderson
- Shaedon Sharpe
- Toumani Camara
- Jerami Grant
- Jabari Walker
Will Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks beat the Blazers on Sunday?
Even though Giannis Antetokounmpo is probable, he is most likely going to participate against the Blazers but under a possible minutes restriction. Giannis, Lillard, and Brook Lopez recorded a combined total of 101 points against the Wizards. Even without Giannis in the lineup, Lillard can easily lead the Bucks to a victory. Lopez has also been playing exceptionally well averaging 2.9 blocks per game along with 13.5 points.
The drives from Damian LIllard… pic.twitter.com/Q6R01rhGCs
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) November 25, 2023
The Blazers are going to have to push harder than usual in this scenario. They do not have too many reliable stars on their roster besides Malcolm Brogdon, who is coming off the bench at the moment. Defensively, they will face a lot of difficulties without Ayton or Williams. This is one of the most hyped matchups of the season besides Lillard’s return to Portland. The Bucks have an easy win this time.