The Milwaukee Bucks are already going to be without one of their key rotation players for several weeks. It was recently revealed that forward Jae Crowder required surgery on his groin and would be out for the foreseeable future. With Crowder out, rookie Andre Jackson Jr. has received more playing time and is quickly endearing himself to fans with his passionate play. MarJon Beauchamp, too, is getting more minutes and is showing that he will be a key piece in the Bucks’ future.
Unfortunately, however, the Bucks will be without more than just Crowder when they take on the Toronto Raptors for the second time this season. Yesterday, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was listed on the team’s injury report as probable with a right calf injury. However, in the latest update of the NBA injury report, his designation has been changed to “OUT.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Not Play for the Milwaukee Bucks vs. the Toronto Raptors
According to the NBA injury report, Giannis has a right calf strain and will not play against Toronto on Wednesday night.
Milwaukee has already played the Raptors once this season, back on November 1 and also in Toronto. That game was a 130-111 loss for Milwaukee who had both Giannis and Damian Lillard healthy for the contest. Now they will try to get a win on the road in a tough environment without their best player.
Over the last three games, Giannis is averaging 41.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. Losing him now against a tough Raptors team is certainly not ideal.
Without the two-time MVP, the majority of scoring will likely fall to Lillard, who also has missed some time this season with a sore calf. The good news for Milwaukee, at least, is that Lillard is not on the team’s injury report at all for this game.
What Will the Milwaukee Bucks’ Lineup Look Like without Giannis Antetokounmpo?
This game against the Raptors will be the first game that Giannis will miss this season. In the past, Sixth Man of the Year candidate Bobby Portis has started for Giannis when he has had to miss time.
The problem, though, is that Milwaukee is also missing Crowder. When Giannis received rest during games, oftentimes Crowder played some of the four while Portis relieved Brook Lopez at the five.
With both players out, the aforementioned young players will almost certainly see time at the four. In other words, Bucks fans should expect to see many small lineups out on the floor against the Raptors on Wednesday night.
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