Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is still listed as probable as the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Chicago Bulls tonight. Antetokounmpo has been dealing with right knee soreness but has played in 11 straight games.
Since his return after a five-game absence, the NBA All-Star team captain has been averaging 37.2 points, 13.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists. The Greek superstar is also hitting 58.4% of his shots, including 34.2% from behind the arc.
Antetokounmpo’s return coincided with Khris Middleton’s availability after a long layoff. Together with Jrue Holiday, they’ve made the Bucks the hottest team in the NBA with an 11-game winning streak.
Tonight’s matchup against the Bulls will be the Bucks’ last before the All-Star break. Giannis Antetokounmpo will be looking to keep their momentum going before the week-long hiatus from basketball.
Barring any significant setbacks, Antetokounmpo should be available to face the Chicago Bulls.
Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert’s status continues to be iffy for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is again questionable when his team faces the Washington Wizards tonight.
The three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year has been dealing with a groin injury for over a month already. He has missed four of the Timberwolves’ last seven games due to the same issue.
Gobert played in back-to-back games, though, heading into tonight’s matchup against the Washington Wizards. The French international is playing well below his usual All-Star self 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 is unavailable tonight, Naz Reid could be inserted into the starting unit.
Kevin Durant: Right knee MCL sprain; Injured since January 8, 2023
Kevin Durant sprained his right knee while he was 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 will not play in the All-Star game, but he has reportedly worked out with the Suns already. The two-time NBA Finals MVP hasn’t joined any 5-on-5 sessions but has been doing 1-on-1 scrimmages with a few 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, the Suns are likely to strictly monitor his minutes.
Jae Crowder: Return to competition conditioning
Jae Crowder has not seen a minute of action in the 2022-23 NBA season. The versatile power forward has not donned the Phoenix Suns uniform while waiting for 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 timetable for his debut this season.