Giannis Antetokounmpo remains sidelined with a right calf strain, forcing the Bucks to lean on their depth and rotation players against the Timberwolves.
The Milwaukee Bucks are at the Target Center tonight to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8:00 p.m. EST.
Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report
The 2020–21 Finals MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, is back practicing but remains listed as OUT with a right calf strain he has been dealing with since December 3.
Antetokounmpo took part in his first practice since the injury on Saturday, though it wasn’t all positive in Milwaukee.
Antetokounmpo was sporting a backward practice jersey, perhaps a subliminal message that he is putting himself first, over the Bucks, in the trade rumours taking over the league.
The only other players listed as OUT are Taurean Prince, who received neck surgery in October and is out indefinitely, and Giannis’ brother, Alex, who is in the G-League.
There are no Bucks listed as QUESTIONABLE, meaning AJ Green, Kyle Kuzma, and other players dealing with slight day-to-day injuries will all be active.
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report
The Timberwolves have stayed largely healthy throughout their hot start to the season. The third-placed Wolves have built around Anthony Edwards and their new core of Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert.
The only player listed as QUESTIONABLE is Mike Conley, who’s returning from right Achilles tendinopathy. Conley hasn’t played since December 8.
The 19-year veteran guard has built a role in Minnesota as a team-first point guard. Conley is now on the bench, averaging just 5.3 points per game, but still has a large role in the locker room.
The only players listed as OUT for Minnesota are Joan Beringer, Enrique Freeman, and Rocco Zikarsky, all due to G League obligations.
Game Preview
The 11-17 Bucks look to end their two-game skid against the 18-10 Timberwolves.
Minnesota is coming off a huge 112-107 win against the reigning champs, the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night.
Head coach Chris Finch was fined $35,000 for using expletive language during an incident in the Timberwolves’ game against the Thunder. Despite the fine, Finch’s Wolves teams have remained extremely competitive throughout his tenure as head coach.
Although Antetokounmpo remains out, this is one of the healthier lineups the Bucks have produced this season and should provide a competitive matchup in Minneapolis.