By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo is considered questionable to return to action as the Milwaukee Bucks prepare to host the Utah Jazz in Fiserv Forum on Thursday.
Due to a right adductor strain, the Greek Freak was ruled out of the meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers in Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Monday. He went through the shootaround but was not medically cleared for game action. After participating in team practice on Wednesday, a similar situation emerges heading to the next fixture in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season.
Before being sidelined, 29-year-old Antetokounmpo tallied 30.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 0.6 blocks, and 0.4 steals per contest over six appearances. He posted a double-double across all six fixtures.
Without Giannis in the lineup, the team coached by Doc Rivers was forced down to 1-6 by the undefeated Cavs. With eight out of the next ten showings at home, including the game opposite the Jazz, the favorable schedule presents an opportunity to improve the W-L tally.
Besides labeling the two-time season MVP in 2019 and 2020 and Finals MVP in 2021 as questionable, the Bucks confirmed Khris Middleton (bilateral ankle surgery) will sit out another game. The 33-year-old forward has yet to play this season.
Meanwhile, the Jazz listed 27-year-old Finnish leader Lauri Markkanen (low back spasms) as questionable after ruling him out over the previous three games. Jordan Clarkson (left heel plantar fasciitis) and Isaiah Collier (right hamstring strain) are questionable as well. Taylor Hendricks (right fibula fracture) is out.