'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAYACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABhAAEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABggQAAEEAgICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwQFABEGIQcSIjKBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADBBEAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAIRESMWH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AMq1XDKXjTUOzu6+LMjvVVlF9Elx1ZkNNgodIWUgaLiNa+oByAPjlhwlanBtXZ+ZPZ/MYwslus130yvVQcaivJ//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has been declared probable for the Milwaukee Bucks for tonight’s matchup against the Boston Celtics. Antetokounmpo has had the same status over the past five games but has been available for the Bucks.
After sitting out the previous five games due to a sore right knee, the newly named NBA All-Star captain has played the last 10 games. Milwaukee is unbeaten in 10 games since Antetokounmpo’s return from the said injury.
Trending
Tonight’s meeting will be just the second matchup between the two Eastern Conference powerhouses. Boston won 139-118 last Christmas and will be looking to stay unbeaten against the Bucks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is putting in another strong NBA MVP consideration. He’s averaging 37.3 points, 13.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists in the Bucks’ 10-game winning streak. Antetokounmpo is also hitting 59.8% of his shots, including 34.3% from behind the arc.
Unless something drastic happens, the soon-to-be eight-time NBA All-Star should be in uniform tonight for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics could be even more shorthanded than originally expected. The reigning NBA Eastern Conference champs have ruled Jayson Tatum doubtful when they visit the Bucks tonight. Tatum is dealing with a non-COVID related illness.
Like Antetokounmpo, Tatum is putting together an MVP-type season. He’s averaging career-highs in points (30.5 PPG), rebounds (8.6 RPG) and assists (4.5 APG). Without him, the Celtics will be at a serious disadvantage.
The Boston Celtics are already missing reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart and All-Star Jaylen Brown. Grant Williams and Robert Williams III are also both questionable.
Tonight’s much-anticipated battle may turn out to be a snoozefest if several of the Boston Celtics’ top players, particularly Jayson Tatum, are ruled out. Everyone on the Celtics’ roster is expected to get more minutes due to the number of names on the injury report.
Kevin Durant: Right knee MCL sprain; injured since January 8, 2023
Kevin Durant was with the Brooklyn Nets when he injured his right knee against the Miami Heat on January 8. He was the biggest name to change teams before the trade deadline and now plays for the Phoenix Suns.
KD reportedly had his first practice session with his new team last Monday. He wasn’t wearing a knee brace when he had a one-on-one session with assistant coach Jarrett Jack. The Suns, however, have ruled him out until after the NBA All-Star break.
The All-Star forward could return a few games after February 24 and will likely be under minute restrictions. Torrey Craig and Josh Okogie are expected to play more minutes while the Suns wait for Kevin Durant’s return.
Jae Crowder: Return to competitive conditioning
Jae Crowder waited nearly five months to play his first game of the 2022-23 NBA season. He was sidelined as the Phoenix Suns waited for the right trade partner, who happened to be the Milwaukee Bucks.
Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer told the media yesterday that Crowder will not play the team’s last two games before the All-Star break. He’s going to sit out tonight versus the Boston Celtics and on Thursday against the Chicago Bulls.
Crowder could make his debut this season on February 26 in an intriguing matchup against his old team, the Phoenix Suns.
