Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is still listed as likely as the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Chicago Bulls tonight. Antetokounmpo has been dealing with soreness in his right knee, but has played in 11 straight games.
Since his return after a five-game absence, the NBA All-Star team captain has averaged 37.2 points, 13.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists. The Greek superstar also hits 58.4% of his shots, including 34.2% from behind the arc.
Antetokounmpo’s return coincided with the availability of Khris Middleton after a long layoff. Along with Jrue Holiday, they have built the Bucks into the best team in the NBA with an 11-game winning streak.
Tonight’s matchup against the Bulls will be the last for the Bucks before the All-Star break. Giannis Antetokounmpo will look to keep his momentum going before the week-long hiatus from basketball.
Barring significant setbacks, Antetokounmpo should be available to face the Chicago Bulls.
Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert’s status remains questionable for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He’s questionable again when his team takes on the Washington Wizards tonight.
The three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year has been dealing with a groin injury for more than a month. He has missed four of the last seven Timberwolves games due to the same problem.
Gobert played in back-to-back games, however, before tonight’s matchup against the Washington Wizards. The French international is playing well below his usual All-Star rating, but remains a vital cog in the Timberwolves’ success.
The three-time All-Star is averaging 13.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks, his lowest since the 2013-14 season.
If Rudy Gobert isn’t available tonight, Naz Reid could be inserted into the starting unit.
Kevin Durant: right knee anterior cruciate ligament sprain; Injured since January 8, 2023
Kevin Durant sprained his right knee while still a member of the Brooklyn Nets. He still hasn’t played since he was traded to the Phoenix Suns for a package centered around Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson.
KD has already informed the media that he won’t be playing in the All-Star Game, but has reportedly already worked out with the Suns. The two-time NBA Finals MVP hasn’t joined any 5-on-5 sessions, but he has been playing 1-on-1 with some of the coaches.
Durant’s status will be clearer after the All-Star break. If he returns to action on Feb. 26 against the Chicago Bulls, it’s likely the Suns will tightly control his minutes.
Jae Crowder: Returning to competition conditioning
Jae Crowder hasn’t seen a minute of action in the 2022-23 NBA season. The versatile power forward hasn’t donned a Phoenix Suns uniform while he awaited a trade.
Crowder was part of the package that sent Mikal Bridges to the Brooklyn Nets. He was later traded by the Nets to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The veteran journeyman, who will be playing for his eighth NBA team, is working on his conditioning. He is expected to be a big part of the Milwaukee Bucks’ quest to win another championship after winning it all in 2021.
The Bucks have not set a specific schedule for his debut this season.