Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s missed the Bucks’ last 2 defeats to the Miami Heat, may be back in action for today’s game.
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The Milwaukee Bucks have had a stop-start 2022-23 NBA season thus far. They started the season off by setting the pace for everyone else while going on a 9-0 start.
However, since that time, their issues have shown up in a rather glaring fashion. An easy schedule netted them their first 9 wins, though there was a signature win against the Nets in it.
They’ve fallen off from the NBA’s top seed to now ranking 3rd in the Eastern Conference standings. At a record of 27-16, they sport an unenviable 18-16 record since their 9-0 start.
BUCKS at HEAT _ FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS _ January 14, 2023 pic.twitter.com/pbvg4EwP8H
— Olando Reid (@oreid96) January 15, 2023
Also Read – ‘Can I hold your son’: When Giannis Antetokounmpo asked Russell Westbrook if he could interact with his son
Their sputtering offense seems to be the main reason for their decline in form over the past couple of months. While Jrue Holiday is an excellent defender, his playmaking isn’t like that of a true point guard.
The absence of Khris Middleton is clearly depriving them of their most effective offensive action – his pick-and-rolls with Giannis. That play-action opens up the floor for their other shooters to get open shots.
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight vs Indiana Pacers?
Giannis Antetokounmpo seems to be ready to take the floor for the Bucks’ game this afternoon at the Fiserv Forum. Milwaukee will play host to the Indiana Pacers, who’re themselves reeling off the loss of Tyrese Haliburton to injury.
However, the Bucks will be missing the services of Australian sharpshooter Joe Ingles this afternoon. Ingles had started the season off slow, but seemed to be getting into his stride in their win against the Hawks.
The Bucks have submitted their injury report for their MLK Day game against the Pacers.
OUT: Serge Ibaka, Joe Ingles, Khris Middleton
Probable:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (left knee soreness)
Jrue Holiday (right ankle sprain)
Bobby Portis (right quad contusion)— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) January 15, 2023
Giannis stats this year
The Greek Freak is having the best scoring output of his career so far this season. His previous scoring high through a season was in 2019-20, when he averaged nearly 30 ppg.
This year, he’s tallying 31 points per game in addition to 11.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. He’s also been playing exemplary defense, though his teammate Brook Lopez seems to be getting more DPOY attention.
