Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and the Milwaukee Bucks will face the Indiana Pacers tonight. As most of the NBA world might remember, both these teams have a recent rivalry, as the Pacers eliminated the Bucks from the first round of the 2023-2024 NBA playoffs.
Injuries have prevented the Bucks’ duo from displaying their full potential this season. The Bucks currently have a record of 36 wins and 27 losses, while the Pacers have a record of 35 wins and 28 losses, giving them the fourth and fifth spots in the Eastern Conference.
As the Bucks and Pacers prepare to face off, fans might want to know about the injury reports for both sides and the potential predicted lineups. That said, let’s take a closer look and find out more.
Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo Are Probable for Bucks vs. Pacers
Bucks fans will be disappointed to hear that neither Lillard nor Antetokounmpo looks completely healthy for this game. Both are listed on the injury report. Lillard is dealing with groin soreness, while Antetokounmpo is facing a calf issue.
Since they are both listed as probable, they are likely to participate in this game against the Pacers. Considering that both teams hold similar records, the outcome of this matchup will alter the postseason structure in the Eastern Conference.
This game is not one that Lillard and Antetokounmpo should look to miss. Now, let us take a look at what the full injury reports and predicted lineups look like.
Milwaukee Bucks injury report
- Pat Connaughton (out)
- Chris Livingston (out)
- Damian Lillard (probable)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (probable)
Milwaukee Bucks predicted lineup
- Damian Lillard
- Tauren Prince
- Kyle Kuzma
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Brook Lopez
Indiana Pacers injury report
- Tyrese Haliburton (out)
- Isaiah Jackson (out)
Indiana Pacers predicted lineup
- Andrew Nembhard
- Bennedict Mathurin
- Pascal Siakam
- Aaron Nesmith
- Myles Turner
As fans can tell from the injury reports, Haliburton is unlikely to play in this game and is dealing with a hip injury. Not having him facilitate the offense for their team will undoubtedly hurt the Pacers against a team like the Bucks.
Kyle Kuzma also recently joined the Bucks and has helped improve their scoring. He has been performing decently for the Milwaukee team, averaging 14.8 points and 7.4 rebounds since being traded from Washington.
The Bucks are also coming off a two-game losing streak and will desperately look to win this game against the weakened Pacers. This looks like a good matchup that basketball fans should not want to miss.