Giannis Antetokounmpo is still out for tonight’s game against the Raptors due to a right calf strain, leaving the Bucks to rely on their rotation players.
The Milwaukee Bucks host the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum on Thursday at 8:00 p.m. EST, looking to win their first game in a week despite a mounting injury list.
Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report
The most notable injury affecting the Bucks is nine-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo is still out with a right calf strain and is expected to return around the new year. Antetokounmpo has played just 17 games this year and has only managed 29 minutes per game, the lowest since his rookie year.
The only players listed as OUT are Giannis Antetokounmpo, Taurean Prince, who received neck surgery in October and is out indefinitely, and Giannis’ brother, Alex, who is in the G-League.
The Bucks' injuries continue to affect their rotation as AJ Green, Kyle Kuzma, and Cole Anthony were all listed as QUESTIONABLE.
Green, who has started in all 24 games he featured in, did not play in Tuesday’s loss to the Nets and is considered day-to-day after a sprained left AC joint.
Kuzma, who played the entirety of the Nets' loss, is also considered day-to-day with an illness. Anthony, another former first-round pick, is dealing with a neck sprain after playing in Tuesday’s loss. Anthony was averaging a career-low 6.9 points per game in his first season outside of Orlando.
Raptors Injury Report
The Raptors have had a much smoother start to the season. The 16-11 Raptors sit third in the Eastern Conference after a red-hot start to the season.
Besides former No. 3 pick and Toronto-born RJ Barrett, the Raptors have stayed relatively injury-free. Barrett is still listed as OUT for a right knee sprain that is expected to keep him out for at least another week. Barrett hurt his knee on November 23 against the Nets and has been receiving injections to prepare for his return.
Additionally, Chucky Hepburn, A.J. Lawson, Alijah Martin, and Jonathon Mogbo are all listed as OUT due to G League obligations.
Jakob Poeltl is the only other player of concern, listed as PROBABLE. The Austrian center has appeared in 20 games this season and is resting due to a lower back injury.
Game Preview
In many recent seasons, this would be a matchup for the fight at the top of the conference, but due to the Bucks’ recent injuries, they will be rolling out a less-than-capable lineup.
With much of their primary scoring sidelined, Milwaukee will continue to rely on young guards Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. to lead the offense.
The Raptors will look to continue their winning ways as head coach Darko Rajakovic guides Toronto through his first season as a legitimate contender.
It will be key for the Bucks to find points on the court if Green, Kuzma, and Anthony are all sidelined for the game.