Late Wednesday morning Central Time, the Milwaukee Bucks suddenly added Ryan Rollins to the injury report for the second of consecutive games in Orlando, their second-to-last matchup before the All-Star break. Questionable with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, Rollins joins Pete Nance (also questionable with an ankle sprain), Giannis Antetokounmpo (out, calf), and Taurean Prince (out, neck) as those with injury report designations.
After a 118-99 defeat on Monday, missing Rollins would be a key blow as the Bucks look to steal some momentum entering the break.
Rollins absence would leave the Bucks severely under-powered
Rollins, who has not missed a game this season, was not listed as of Tuesday night, so seeing him pop up suddenly with plantar fasciitis may not bode well for his availability.
Monday, Rollins provided 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals in the loss. It was not his best outing, as he shot 6-for-16 and committed six turnovers. Still, the Bucks need his shot creation and sheer production, especially Giannis still sidelined. On the season, Rollins is averaging 16.9 points, 4.6 boards, and 5.5 assists on 40.7% shooting from three.
Even with an otherwise full deck, they were clearly overpowered last time out against Orlando. Kevin Porter Jr. was the main reason the Bucks kept it close in the first half, going for 28 points and seven assists on 10-19 from the field.
Without Rollins alongside him in the backcourt, the Magic would have an easier time keying in on Porter to effectively strangle Milwaukee’s offense. New addition Cam Thomas is one crutch the Bucks could have to lean on if Rollins is held out, providing the former Nets scorer with an early test.
For all intents and purposes, an oft-injured Orlando roster will once again be full strength; forward Jett Howard (4.7 PPG) is their only missing player of note.
Desperate for every win they can get, with or without Rollins the Bucks will not face an easy task. They are 10.5-point underdogs as of early afternoon. The Magic (28-24) carry a three-game win streak into the tilt after snapping Milwaukee’s own such streak two days ago.
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