“I’m okay. Am I 100 percent? I don’t know” said Giannis Antetokounmpo before the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent game against the LA Clippers. After missing eight straight games with a calf strain, Bucks fans were eager to see when ‘The Greek Freak’ would return. Fortunately, Giannis ended his absence streak by playing 24 minutes against the Clippers and leading the offense to secure a 116-110 win. His performance seemed like a clear sign that he was ready for full-time action—so, will he play tonight?
Good news for Bucks fans, Milwaukee’s injury report for tonight’s game against the Washington Wizards is completely clear. This means that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be available to take on Jordan Poole and Co. a few hours from now. the list also clears any doubt about Damian Lillard’s availability. The point guard had been dealing with a hamstring strain for some time but has been available in the last three games. Additionally, team doctors cleared Andre Jackson Jr.’s wrist for the matchup against the Clippers. His absence from the injury report suggests the ailment won’t trouble him in the upcoming game. The Bucks won’t have Chris Livingston, Liam Robbins, and Stanley Umude, as they assigned all three to the G-League.
Giannis Antetokounmpo felt the first signs of a calf injury back on February 5th, before the game in Charlotte. ‘The Greek Freak’ went through shootaround in the morning, and his individual and team warmups, but had to soon walk off the court. Giannis was also suffering from an injury in the knee and patella before sustaining the calf ailment. However, it was the left calf strain that caused him to miss the most games, including the All-Star weekend. Despite leading fan votes for the All-Star game, Giannis lost his spot to Trae Young due to the injury.
Even though Giannis may be available now, he may be put on a minutes restriction when facing the Washington Wizards. After all, if Giannis getting injured right before the previous playoffs taught the Bucks anything, it is that one cannot take risks when it comes to their star player’s health.
Jan 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) warms up before game against the Sacramento Kings at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Speaking of the Washington Wizards, the team has 3 players listed as ‘OUT’ for the upcoming game, with 1 questionable. Saddiq Bey hasn’t played a single game this tournament due to a left knee injury. He will not be making his season debut in the upcoming game either. Anthony Gill continues to recover from a sprained right ankle. Therefore, he is questionable after having missed the last 3 games before the All-Star break. Malcolm Brogdon sustained a sprained left ankle in the Washington Wizards’ last game before the All-Star break. Even after the extended break, the Wizards don’t expect Brogdon to play on Friday. Justin Champagnie had earlier sustained a post-traumatic headache. With no update on his recovery progress, the team has sidelined him for the upcoming Bucks matchup.
Given these updates and the recent trade acquisitions, there will be some exciting changes to both teams’ starting lineups. With a fully healthy lineup, the Bucks will take on the Wizards, but this isn’t just any regular-season game. It marks the first matchup since Milwaukee and Washington’s major trade deal.
What will the starting lineup and depth chart for the Bucks-Wizards game look like?
The upcoming matchup is not just any regular one. It marks the first time the Bucks and Wizards will compete after their recent trade deal. After spending four years with the Washington Wizards, the team traded Kyle Kuzma to the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis and Co. also received draft compensation along with the player. However, it did cost them forward Khris Middleton, guard AJ Johnson, draft compensation, and cash considerations in the process. Now, Kyle Kuzma will return to his old home turf, the Capital One Arena, to take on his old teammates. Kuzma is expected to bring out a sort of ‘revenge game.
In light of this, the starting lineup and depth chart for the Milwaukee Bucks is expected to look like this:
POSITION
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
5TH
PG
Damian Lillard
Kevin Porter Jr.
Ryan Rollins
AJ Green
Andre Jackson Jr
SG
Taurean Prince
AJ Green
Gary Trent Jr.
Andre Jackson Jr.
Kevin Porter Jr
SF
Kyle Kuzma
Gary Trent Jr.
Andre Jackson Jr.
Taurean Prince
Pat Connaughton
PF
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Kyle Kuzma
Taurean Prince
Pat Connaughton
Tyler Smith
C
Brook Lopez
Jericho Sims
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Liam Robbins
Chris Livingston
Similarly, given the update for the Washington Wizards, their starting lineup will look like this:
POSITION
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
5TH
PG
Jordan Poole
Malcolm Brogdon (OUT)
Bub Carrington
Marcus Smart
Erik Stevenson
SG
Bilal Coulibaly
Marcus Smart
Malcolm Brogdon (OUT)
Corey Kispert
Bub Carrington
SF
Khris Middleton
Corey Kispert
Bilal Coulibaly
Justin Champagnie (OUT)
Kyshawn George
PF
Kyshawn George
Justin Champagnie (OUT)
Khris Middleton
Corey Kispert
Anthony Gill (Questionable)
C
Alex Sarr
Richaun Holmes
Tristan Vukcevic
Anthony Gill (Questionable)
With a fully healthy squad and Giannis back in action, the Bucks are in a prime position to capitalize on their momentum. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Kyle Kuzma as he returns to Washington in a new jersey, eager to prove himself against his former team. With high stakes on both sides, this matchup is shaping up to be anything but routine. Who will you be rooting for?
The post Will Giannis Antetokounmpo Play Tonight? Bucks Injury Report Examined as Kyle Kuzma Returns to Face Wizards appeared first on EssentiallySports.
