The Milwaukee Bucks have been spiraling lately, falling to 1-4 in their last five outings after an ugly loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Friday night, they have a chance to get back on the right track against a Toronto Raptors squad that has lost its last 15 consecutive games. They are also coming off a 48-point defeat against the West's vicious Minnesota Timberwolves. The Milwaukee Bucks need to win this one, but there are questions as to which of their players may be available.
Both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard were listed as questionable on the injury report, but there is now confirmation that at least one of them will suit up. Per Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes, Lillard will indeed make his return to the lineup after missing the last three games. He had been out due to personal reasons and a right adductor strain.
Bucks get huge boost ahead of crucial matchup with Raptors
It's no secret that the Bucks have struggled without Lillard this season. They are just 1-7 on the year when their star starting point guard is out of the lineup. Over these past few games, his absence has been particularly notable, especially in their last outing when Patrick Beverley was also out, forcing the Bucks to play two-way point guard TyTy Washington to simply have another ball-handler.
Lillard hasn't been in much of a rhythm at all this season, and things could take a step back with him having missed these past three games. He's got six games to get himself going before the playoffs, and he has to start on Friday against the Raptors.
Now, with Lillard set to play, all eyes turn to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Patrick Beverley. Giannis is dealing with a hamstring issue, which was notably hindering him against the Grizzlies in the previous outing. If he needs a game off, give it to him. Beverley is, of course, dealing with a wrist issue that will require surgery at some point, but the injury that has him questionable is an ankle sprain.
UPDATE: Both Antetokounmpo and Beverley are now listed as doubtful as of 2:30 p.m. CST.
Health is a significant question mark for the Milwaukee Bucks leading up to the postseason with just six games left to play.
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