Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing against Utah Jazz? Latest on Milwaukee Bucks superstar's status explored (Nov. 7)
The Milwaukee Bucks will host the Utah Jazz in one of three NBA games on Thursday. Giannis Antetokounmpo is available to play after being listed as "questionable" due to a right adductor injury that kept him out of the previous game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In Giannis's absence, Doc Rivers’ team narrowly fell 116-114, dropping to a 1-6 record on the season.
On Wednesday, coach Rivers shared that Giannis participated in practice ahead of the Jazz matchup but did not confirm if the two-time MVP would play. With a demanding schedule ahead, five games in seven days, including a back-to-back against the Jazz and New York Knicks, the Bucks will be cautious in managing their superstar's minutes on court.
Doc Rivers happy with Giannis Antetokounmpo receiving a break
Following the Milwaukee Bucks' loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, coach Doc Rivers welcomed the opportunity for his star player Giannis Antetokounmpo taking a break, albeit through injury, amid the grueling schedule.
"It helps, for sure," coach Rivers said on Giannis missing the game and taking a break to prioritize his health. "He hates missing games, as you guys all know. And he draws them out even when; like I had decided in my own mind that he shouldn't play tonight right when they told me he that he was sore (on Saturday).
"But I always let them (tell me). I was happy when they said, not happy because you want him to play, but for his health I think it's the right thing."
Giannis has appeared in six games, averaging 31.0 points on 63.3% shooting, along with 12.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game.
Meanwhile, three Bucks players have been ruled out for the game against the Jazz: Khris Middleton (recovering from bilateral ankle surgery), AJ Johnson (G League assignment) and Chris Livingston (G League assignment).
How to watch Bucks vs. Jazz game?
The Milwaukee Bucks vs. Utah Jazz game is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The game will tip off at 8 p.m. EDT (5 p.m. PT).
The Bucks vs. Jazz game will be broadcast live on the FanDuel Sports Network - Wisconsin (local) and KJZZ (local). The fans will also have the option to stream the game live on the NBA League Pass and Fubo TV app and website (regional restrictions may apply).