The Milwaukee Bucks are nonetheless combating for first place within the Japanese Convention, as they maintain a report of 22-17, sitting in fourth place. After struggling a surprising 34-point loss to the New York Knicks, the Bucks are actually on a two-game successful streak and put together to host the Toronto Raptors on Friday, January 17.
Heading into this Japanese Convention matchup, two key gamers are on the harm report. Star ahead Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kris Middleton have been each listed as possible earlier than the sport. Antetokounmpo is nursing a proper patella tendinopathy harm, whereas Middleton remains to be coping with a bilateral ankle harm.
Right here is the Bucks harm report for Friday in opposition to Toronto:
Out:
Johnson, Smith (G League)Questionable:
Jackson Jr. (proper hip contusion)Possible:
Antetokounmpo (proper patellar tendinopathy)
Middleton (bilateral ankle harm administration)
Trent Jr. (left hip flexor pressure)– Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) January 16, 2025
Antetokounmpo was thought of possible earlier than his earlier recreation in opposition to the Orlando Magic with the identical harm, the place he posted a formidable 26 factors and 11 rebounds. He completed the night time having performed half-hour and led his group to a strong victory in opposition to a contending group.
Middleton was additionally out there for Wednesday’s recreation in opposition to the Magic. He completed the night time taking part in 21 minutes, scoring 14 factors and grabbing six rebounds.
Over the previous few weeks, Antetokounmpo has averaged over 30 factors, over 10 rebounds, and over 5 assists per recreation, demonstrating his means to influence the sport in a wide range of methods. Even with a nagging harm, he stays a relentless risk in transition, utilizing his unmatched athleticism to complete on the rim and draw fouls.
His defensive presence has additionally been very important, with a number of blocks and steals in current outings serving to the Milwaukee Bucks keep aggressive.
Though he was restricted in some areas, Antetokounmpo’s taking pictures effectivity remained sturdy, changing a excessive proportion of his baskets and free throws. His means to play by means of ache and ship at such a excessive stage speaks volumes about his tenacity and management.
Because the season progresses, if he can keep wholesome, his total play might propel the Bucks to better success within the months to come back.
Within the video games Antetokounmpo has missed this season, the Bucks’ offense is turning into extra stagnant and predictable, relying extra on exterior taking pictures, which is not at all times dependable. With out his presence within the paint, opposing defenses are able to collapsing on different gamers, making it more durable for shooters like Middleton or Damian Lillard to search out clear appears to be like.
Moreover, the group’s counterattack alternatives are restricted with out Antetokounmpo’s velocity and ending means.
Judging by Antetokounmpo’s availability and his spectacular performances in current matchups, followers can assume he will probably be prepared for Friday’s recreation in opposition to the Raptors.
Be taught extra about {dollars}; Bucks Star Guard Suffers New Harm in Win Over Magic
