The Milwaukee Bucks could be missing three of their key players against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday
Thursday marks the final day on the NBA's slate before the beginning of All-Star weekend, with the Milwaukee Bucks traveling to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. All-Star starters lead both teams, but neither of them will be suiting up for the festivities in Los Angeles.
It also marks the second night of a back-to-back for both teams, with each coming off a road win in the prior contest. However, only one of them can head into All-Star weekend with a win, and injuries are set to play a major part in how this contest could pan out.
Bucks Injury Report
As hinted at earlier, the Bucks will be without star forward and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo on Thursday, as he's listed as OUT with a right calf strain. Set to be ineligible for awards such as All-NBA this season, he should be returning sometime shortly after the break to help this Bucks team down the stretch.
Joining Giannis on the sidelines are Alex Antetokounmpo (two-way) and Taurean Prince (neck), who are both OUT as well.
Lastly, the Bucks have two players listed as QUESTIONABLE, with Kyle Kuzma dealing with left foot soreness and Ryan Rollins battling plantar fasciitis in his right foot. Kuzma did appear in the team's recent win over the Orlando Magic, as Rollins was sidelined for that contest.
In the case that Kuzma is unable to suit up, Milwaukee could look to Ousmane Dieng or Pete Nance to fill in the void of the starting lineup.
Thunder Injury Report
As has been the case over the past few games, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be without several key members of their rotation on Thursday night, headlined by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is listed as OUT due to an abdominal strain.
The list also includes Branden Carlson (back spasms), Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus), Ajay Mitchell (abdominal/ankle), Thomas Sorber (ACL), and Jalen Williams (hamstring).
Even though the Thunder will still have key contributors like Chet Holmgren and Lu Dort healthy, they are missing key leaders on this team that could allow for the Bucks to make it a competitive game, even without Giannis.
Game Preview
Thursday marks the second and final team these two teams matchup this season, with the Thunder taking the first contest 122-102 on January 21st. With the Thunder controlling the top seed in the Western Conference and the Bucks trying to make their way into the play-in tournament, both teams have something to fight for.
Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. EST at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.