NBA Injury Report: Giannis Antetokounmpo probable, Jrue Holiday probable and more updates on Ja Morant and Jonathan Kuminga | March 9, 2023
Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo resumes his daily presence in the Milwaukee Bucks’ injury report. He remains probable this time due to a non-Covid related illness when the Bucks take on the Brooklyn Nets. Over the past two months, it has been his sore right knee that has made him a staple on the injury list.
The “Greek Freak” wasn’t available two nights ago versus the Orlando Magic due to the same issue. It looks like he will be in uniform tonight as he has practiced with the team without any discomfort.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) listed probable for Thursday.
The Bucks have been the hottest team in the NBA for almost two months now. They are 20-2 since Jan. 16, a stretch that has catapulted them to the best record in the entire league.
Milwaukee’s blistering form has been anchored in the performance of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has squarely put himself in NBA MVP conversations.
During the Bucks’ incredible run, Antetokounmpo has been averaging 30.0 points, 12.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists. He is also hitting 54.9% of his shots, including 32.2% from behind the arc.
Bobby Portis could take the starting power forward role if Giannis Antetokounmpo is unavailable.
Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo’s teammate, Jrue Holiday, is also probable tonight. He is reportedly dealing with neck soreness.
Holiday was also missing in action versus the Orlando Magic last Mar.7 to rest his neck. Like Antetokounmpo, he practiced with the team as well and is likely to return to action tonight against the Brooklyn Nets.
Jrue Holiday (neck) listed probable for Thursday.
The NBA All-Star point guard is averaging 19.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.2 steals in 53 games for the Bucks. He has ably supported Giannis Antetokounmpo in leading the team to the best win-loss slate in the league.
Jevon Carter is expected to be inserted into the starting lineup if for some reason Jrue Holiday is unable to suit up for the Bucks tonight.
Ja Morant: Not with the team since March 4, 2023
The Memphis Grizzlies suspended Ja Morant for two games after he posted a video of himself on Instagram brandishing a gun. He is, however, still not with the team as he will undergo an “ongoing healing process.”
Morant will not join the Grizzlies in their next four games, starting with their matchup against the LA Lakers two nights ago. He will be out of the lineup when the Grizzlies host the defending NBA champs, the Golden State Warriors, tonight.
“G12” will also miss back-to-back games against the Dallas Mavericks before possibly returning on Mar. 15 when Memphis visits the Miami Heat.
Just in: Glendale, Colorado police has closed its investigation into Grizzlies star Ja Morant with no charge or crime: “There was not enough available evidence to charge anyone with a crime.” Full release: https://t.co/Ng0uYdoLpp
Morant and the Grizzlies caught a break regarding the superstar’s four-game absence on top of his two-game suspension. He faced the prospect of a longer stint on the sidelines if the Colorado police found more evidence of his gun-toting video.
Jonathan Kuminga: Left ankle sprain; Injured since: March 7, 2023
Jonathan Kuminga likely injured his left ankle in the Golden State Warriors' 137-128 loss to the OKC Thunder on Tuesday night. Kuminga started in place of the injured Kevon Looney and played 28 minutes. The emerging youngster finished the game with 21 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Andre Iguodala, Jonathan Kuminga and Kevon Looney are probable for the Warriors tomorrow in Memphis. No other notables on injury report. Andrew Wiggins remains out.
He is still expected to play tonight but could come off the bench again as Looney (back) could also be available. The defending NBA champs are on a three-game losing streak and will be looking to snap that tonight versus the Memphis Grizzlies.