The Milwaukee Bucks are slated to take on the Memphis Grizzlies Friday night, and there are plenty of uncertainties leading up to tip-off. Let's break down the current injury report for both sides.
Bucks injury report vs. Grizzlies
Out: Alex Antetokounmpo (G League), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Calf strain), Taurean Prince (Neck surgery)
Questionable: Gary Trent Jr. (Left calf contusion)
No surprises as far as those listed as out. Alex Antetokounmpo has yet to play in a game this season. Giannis is likely still a few weeks away from returning from his injury. The Milwaukee Bucks applied for a Disabled Player Exception for Prince recently, meaning he's likely going to miss the rest of the year. The "out" designation on the report will likely look like this for a while.
Gary Trent Jr. was the big question mark leading up to this one, and based on his designation, he still is. He exited the team's last game early, clearly in pain. Even if he's been in a massive slump, Trent's absence would still leave a major hole in the lineup. While he's back in the lineup, AJ Green has seemingly been bothered by a shoulder injury, so Milwaukee's two sharpshooters are both not 100 percent.
If Trent cannot go, Milwaukee Bucks fans should expect an increase in playing time for Gary Harris, who has become a trusted piece under Doc Rivers.
Grizzlies injury report vs. Bucks
Out: Brandon Clarke (Right calf strain), Zach Edey (Left ankle stress reaction), Ty Jerome (Right calf strain), John Konchar (Left thumb UCL surgery recovery), Scotty Pippen Jr. (Left great toe surgery recovery), Vince Williams Jr. (Left patellar tendonitis)
Questionable: Cedric Coward (Left heel soreness), Ja Morant (Left ankle sprain)
The Grizzlies have been banged up all season, and that's not changing anytime soon. A handful of key pieces will be sidelined for this one, but that doesn't mean it will be a cake walk for the Bucks. Looking at their recent woes, no game is a given.
Coward and Morant are two massive question marks that will have an impact on this game. Coward's play has taken the NBA by storm, emerging as one of the best rookies. If he's out, there will be a huge void to fill on both ends. Even in a down year, Morant, who hasn't played since December 15, is still an All-Star who has had countless good moments against Milwaukee. If he's in, he poses a threat.
Following a victory over the Indiana Pacers, the Milwaukee Bucks could use this game for momentum purposes. It would be a great time to get back to back victories for the first time since October 30.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.