Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight? Exploring 8x NBA-All Star's availability vs Mavericks | 2024 NBA preseason

Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to start in the Milwaukee Bucks' final preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center on Thursday (Oct. 17). The eight-time NBA All-Star's availability takes the spotlight after his candid thoughts on his future with Milwaukee earlier.

The Bucks face immense pressure to win a title after their 2021 success, and Antetokounmpo kept it real when weighing in on the high stakes that lay ahead.

The Bucks traded for Damian Lillard last season hoping that the seasoned mercurial guard and Antetokounmpo would deliver, but the side made a disappointing first-round playoff exit.

The side has also not had the greatest of starts to their preseason, dropping two of their three games. Antetokounmpo suited up in two games and is likely to play their final preseason clash vs. Dallas before the side plays their first game of the regular stretch against East Conference rivals Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 23.

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"I might get traded": Giannis Antetokounmpo believes it's curtains down for him if the Bucks fail to win the championship

In an interview with The Athletic's Sam Amick, the former MVP said he would be traded if the Milwaukee Bucks failed to win the championship this season. The Bucks have been playoff contenders at best since their 2021 title run, and the 'Greek Freak' is well aware of the pressure heading into the new season:

"Do you have it in the back of your mind, like, '(What) if this year doesn't go well?' Yeah, if we don't win a championship, I might get traded. Yeah, this is the job we live in. This is the world we're living in. It's everybody."

The Bucks have a title-caliber roster this season. Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Bobby Portis Jr. are reliable role players complementing Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard's skill sets. More importantly, the forward is a potential MVP candidate himself who has been consistent with his efforts on both ends of the floor.

He ended last season averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 73 games. He will be looked at as the Bucks' key cog as they look to shrug off their poor playoff run and go the distance.

If Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard can remain as healthy as he did last season, the side will cement themselves as prime contenders in the East.