Following a close loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the Milwaukee Bucks are back in action today against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Over the last few days, Milwaukee's roster has gone through some changes while also dealing with a handful of injuries, limiting the availability of several players in that recent loss. Will the Bucks have to do battle without several key faces once again? Let us break down the current injury reports for both the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers.
Bucks injury report vs. 76ers
Out: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Left calf strain)
Questionable: Pat Connaughton (Left calf strain), Liam Robbins (Right groin strain)
It looks like the Bucks will have a pretty clean injury report for this one. Of course, playing without Giannis will make things much tougher, but calf injuries are tricky. This is not an injury worth putting everything on the line for, given how much that could aggravate it and cause further damage. With the All-Star break nearing, it makes sense for everyone to be cautious.
Though it's still up in the air, Pat Connaughton could be back in the lineup after missing the last game due to injury. The same goes for Liam Robbins, who has mostly been a nice depth piece. Even without Giannis, he likely won't see key time, but it's always possible.
Absent from the injury report are all three of the Bucks' newcomers in Kyle Kuzma, Jericho Sims and Kevin Porter Jr. Kuzma played in the last game, while Sims was available but didn't play, so those two are not surprising, but it looks like Porter is officially in line to make his Bucks debut after missing the last game against Atlanta due to the timing of the trade becoming official.
76ers injury report vs. Bucks
Available: Paul George (Left finger splint)
Out: Jared McCain (Left knee meniscus surgery)
Probable: Guerschon Yabusele (Right knee soreness)
Questionable: Joel Embiid (Left knee injury management)
The major question mark for Philly is Joel Embiid. He's their MVP and the engine that makes them go. If he is out, both teams would be without their MVPs, leaving it up to the co-stars and role players to dictate how this one goes. Paul George being available will give them a lift, even if he is having a down year at the moment.
What to watch as the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Philadelphia 76ers
All eyes will be on the newcomers, particularly Kuzma. He was the big fish Milwaukee added at the trade deadline, and with no Giannis, he will be tasked with doing more in the frontcourt. Sims should get some extended run as well, giving the Bucks more speed and athleticism at center. If Porter can provide instant offense off the bench, it could give Milwaukee a much-needed lift as they try to put points on the board without their leading scorer.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.