NBA Injury Report: Giannis Antetokounmpo probable, Jimmy Butler questionable and more updates on Kevin Love and Jamal Murray | January 31, 2023

Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is probable to play tonight versus the Charlotte Hornets. He has been playing through right knee soreness for over a month but is expected to be available for the fifth straight game.

“The Greek Freak” missed the Bucks’ previous five games before playing the past four. He was on a tear after sitting out to rest the sore right knee. Since his return, he has averaged 38.3 points, 12.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists in roughly 30 minutes per game.

The recently-named NBA All-Star starter showed the other night that the knee might be better now as he exploded for 50 points. Antetokounmpo went 20-for-26 from the floor, including 3-of-4 from behind the arc, his most efficient outing this season.

The Milwaukee Bucks have won four straight games since Antetokounmpo returned to the lineup. They’ll be looking to extend that streak when they host the Hornets at Fiserv Forum.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler’s chances of playing tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers are still up in the air. The six-time NBA All-Star bruised his right quadriceps in the Heat’s 122-117 loss to the Charlotte Hornets last Sunday.

“Jimmy Buckets” played 33 minutes and finished with 28 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals against the Hornets. He didn’t seem bothered during the game, but it must have been uncomfortable enough for the Heat to rule him questionable.

Max Strus could be inserted into the starting lineup if the former NBA Most Improved Player award winner sits out.

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Kevin Love: Lower back spasms; Injured since January 24, 2023

The Cleveland Cavaliers have upgraded Kevin Love’s status to probable when they host the Miami Heat tonight. Love missed the team’s past three games due to lower back spasms. He reportedly started feeling the spasms in the second half against the New York Knicks on Jan. 24.

The 2016 NBA champion was on track to play versus the LA Clippers the other night but couldn’t get clearance from the medical staff. Love will be monitored after the morning shootaround but he’s likely ready to return for the Cavaliers.

If he’s still unavailable tonight, Kevin Love’s next chance to play will be next Thursday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Jamal Murray: Left knee injury management

The Denver Nuggets continue to be very careful with Jamal Murray’s knee after an ACL injury forced him to sit out the 2021-22 season. He’s been ruled questionable tonight versus the New Orleans Pelicans.

Murray has missed just 10 of the Nuggets’ 50 games due to injury management. If he is unavailable for the 11th time this season, Bones Hyland could take his place in the starting unit.

The former Kentucky superstar is starting to rediscover the form that made him one of the NBA’s breakout stars during the 2020-21 season. Over his past 10 games, he has averaged 22.7 points, 6.8 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 34.9 minutes.

Murray has been shooting 46.3% from the field, including 40.9% from deep, which has complemented NBA MVP Nikola Jokic’s breathtaking playmaking.

Jamal Murray should be available next Thursday versus the defending NBA champions Golden State Warriors if he’s unavailable tonight.