Two key stars are listed on the injury report for the Milwaukee Bucks' contest against the Charlotte Hornets
The Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Hornets will face off for the second time in three days tonight, having last played each other on Nov. 12.
In that matchup, which the Hornets won 111-100, the Bucks were without their star player, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, but tonight, he has been listed as probable to play according to the NBA’s latest official injury report.
“I just don't think the ball moved much,” Rivers said in his postgame press conference against the Hornets. “Even when we did get downhill, we took tough, in-between jump shots all night. Good lesson for us.”
Antetokounmpo re-entering the lineup is a good sign for the Bucks, as even though he was only out against the Hornets, and before that, only one other game this season on Oct. 30 against the Golden State Warriors, his ability to affect the game, whether with scoring, rebounding or passing, has proven paramount to the team’s early success.
The nine-time All-Star is averaging 33.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game this season, and is shooting the ball at a 62.9% clip from the field.
All other Bucks players should be in action tonight, other than Kevin Porter Jr. and Taurean Prince, who are both nursing more long-term injuries. Porter Jr. recently had meniscus surgery and will be out until next month, while Prince just had neck surgery, which will keep him out of commission for an indefinite amount of time.
“Injuries suck,” guard Amir Coffey said in a pregame interview earlier today. “Prayers up for [Prince]. Hope that’s a fast recovery. But yeah, we’re just showing our support for him right now.”
Injuries On the Hornets' Side
On the Hornets’ side, there are several injuries being dealt with – none more significant than LaMelo Ball’s (Right Ankle Impingement), although he is listed as probable to play tonight just as Antetokounmpo is.
Other players on the injury report for Charlotte, who have all been ruled out tonight, include Josh Green (Left Shoulder Surgery), Ryan Kalkbrenner (Personal Reasons), Brandon Miller (Left Shoulder Subluxation), and Grant Williams (Right Knee Surgery).
Liam McNeely (Illness) has been listed as questionable to play and KJ Simpson (Left Ac Joint Sprain) is probable to play.
The Hornets (4-7) will look to secure back-to-back wins over the Bucks (7-5), who will look to return to the win column now that they are likely to have their leading scorer in Antetokounmpo, back out on the floor.
Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. EST in Milwaukee.