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MEMPHIS – The Milwaukee Bucks look to enter the All-Star break on a high note when they take on the injury-plagued Memphis Grizzlies at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at FedExForum.
Milwaukee (35-20) has won two of its last three under head coach Doc Rivers, while Memphis (19-36) has lost nine of its last 10.
The Grizzlies took a 29-26 lead after the first quarter despite having only nine players available, thanks to a late 3-pointer by GG Jackson II over Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jackson II scored 11 points for Memphis off the bench, while Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 10.
Will Giannis play tonight?
Doc Rivers said before the game that the Bucks’ MVP candidate will play tonight in Memphis. However, there were some questions about Antetokounmpo’s availability before the game, as he was downgraded from probable to questionable after the team’s shootaround in Memphis with right patellar tendinitis.
Antetokounmpo performed his usual pregame routine at FedExForum before Rivers’ announcement.
He has been playing through the injury since Feb. 4 at Utah.
What is the Bucks’ record without Giannis?
After offseason left knee surgery, Antetokounmpo has been in the lineup more often than not for the first time in years for the Bucks. He has only missed two games (November 15 and January 17). The team is 1-1 in those games.
Milwaukee Bucks injury report
- Khris Middleton out (sprained left ankle)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, questionable (right patellar tendinitis)
- Damian Lillard, probable (left ankle inflammation)
Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineup
- Guards: Damian Lillard, Malik Beasley
- Forwards: Jae Crowder, Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Center: Brook López
Grizzlies injury report: Memphis is missing many players for game against Bucks
Memphis, which has been a Western Conference contender the past two years, has been ravaged by injuries. Grizzlies head coach (and former Bucks assistant) Taylor Jenkins will field a team that will be without the following players:
- Ja Morant (right shoulder surgery)
- Marcus Smart (right ring finger tear)
- Desmond Bane (sprained left ankle)
- Derrick Rose (right ankle pain)
- Brandon Clarke (left Achilles tendon surgery)
- Jake LaRavia (sprained left ankle)
- Scotty Pippen Jr. (low back pain)
Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. is questionable with right quad soreness and John Konchar is questionable with left quad soreness. Luke Kennard is doubtful with pain in his left knee.
