Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight against Charlotte Hornets? January 31st, 2023
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks have been on a tear since the former two-time MVP returned to the lineup on January 23rd. Since then, Antetokounmpo has continued to dominate the game, putting up ridiculous numbers throughout the team's recent four-game win streak.
Given that, it's no surprise that Milwaukee Bucks fans are eager to find out whether or not the Greek Freak will be playing on Tuesday night against the Charlotte Hornets. According to the NBA's official injury report from the evening of January 30th, Antetokounmpo is probable for the game with right knee soreness.
As he continues to navigate his way back from injury, many are expecting Giannis Antetokounmpo to play despite the 'probable' tag attached to his name. On Sunday, he put up 50 points in just 30 minutes as he and the Bucks coasted past the New Orleans Pelicans.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer spoke to media members last week prior to the Bucks' showdown with the Detroit Pistons about the matter. In his eyes, the team's success essentially depends on whether or not Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton are healthy. Without the two men on the floor, the team unsurprisingly lacks the firepower to compete with the best of the best.
“There’s a connection, and their skill sets go well together when they’re at their best. We have a really good roster and team that needs those two guys, and we are our best with them,”
Above, you can see footage from his epic 50-point performance against the Pelicans.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks' season
This season has been an impressive one for the Milwaukee franchise despite the team having to deal with lingering injuries. With Giannis Antetokounmpo returning for the team's game against the Detroit Pistons on the 23rd, Khris Middleton also made his return.
After sitting out an entire month as a result of a knee injury, Middleton played in just his 11th game of the season against the Pistons. During the Bucks' recent four-game winning streak, he has continued to contribute in a big way despite his limited minutes.
This isn't the first time Middleton has had to return from an injury this season. The former All-Star missed the team's first 20 games after undergoing wrist surgery during the offseason. Despite this, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks remain in second place in a crowded Eastern Conference.
With a record of 33-17, the Bucks are only 2.5 games behind the Boston Celtics for first place in the Eastern Conference. With Antetokounmpo back in the lineup and Khris Middleton seemingly putting his injuries behind him, things in Milwaukee are looking good.
As the trade deadline approaches, it will be interesting to see if the front office decides to make any moves in hopes of eventually securing another championship. According to reports, the team is apparently nearing a deal with the Phoenix Suns that would see them acquire veteran Jae Crowder.
The way things look right now, do you believe Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks can win another NBA title?