NBA Injury Report: Giannis Antetokounmpo probable, Kevin Love questionable and more updates on Donovan Mitchell and Desmond Bane | January 29, 2023
Recently-named NBA All-Star team captain Giannis Antetokounmpo is still on the Milwaukee Bucks’ injury report as probable due to right knee soreness. He has been dealing with this issue for over a month already but played in the Bucks’ past three games after missing the previous five.
“The Greek Freak,” though, is expected to suit up tonight when Milwaukee hosts the New Orleans Pelicans. The Bucks are looking to extend their winning streak to four at the expense of the Pelicans.
The Bucks have submitted their injury report for Sunday night's game against the Pelicans.
OUT: Serge Ibaka, Bobby Portis
Probable:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (right knee soreness)
MarJon Beauchamp (right patella tendinitis)
AJ Green (left ankle soreness)
The two-time NBA MVP recently struggled before sitting out five games. He has been back to his deadly self in the three games he has played after the sore right knee kept him sidelined.
Over his past three games, Antetokounmpo averaged 34.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.3 steals. His efficiency has also been back as he has hit 55.9% of his field-goal attempts.
Unless a setback happens between the morning shootaround and the pregame warmups, the seven-time NBA All-Star should be available.
Meanwhile, Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers has been ruled questionable yet again for tonight’s game versus the LA Clippers. He had the same designation due to lower back spasms and missed the Cavs’ past two games.
The 2016 NBA champ could miss a third consecutive game when Cleveland hosts the Clippers. He reportedly didn’t practice with the team, which could mean he’d be unavailable tonight.
Not sure how tomorrow's Cavs-Clippers game looks. Donovan Mitchell and Kevin Love are both QUESTIONABLE to play.
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George's statuses are still up in the air and will be known sometime tomorrow morning. I don't expect Kawhi to play, PG will be interesting.
The five-time NBA All-Star has already missed 10 games this season. It looks like he will be adding to that tally later.
Love has played a very good sixth-man role for the Cavaliers. He was in strong contention as the NBA’s best player off the bench last season. His numbers have dipped this season, but he still offers decent contributions.
If Kevin Love is in street clothes tonight, Cedi Osman and Dean Wade should continue to see more action in the game.
Donovan Mitchell: Left groin strain; Injured since January 16, 2023
Donovan Mitchell has missed five of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ past six games due to a left groin strain. He has sat out the past three matches despite not being ruled out. Mitchell’s status is still questionable but it’s anybody’s guess if he’s playing tonight versus the LA Clippers.
The newly-named All-Star starter suffered the injury last Jan. 16 against the New Orleans Pelicans. Mitchell played just 22 minutes in the Cavs’ 113-103 victory over the Pelicans.
Donovan Mitchell (groin) listed questionable for Sunday.
The former Utah Jazz guard has been spectacular this year, deservedly giving him a fourth straight NBA All-Star selection and his first as a starter. Without him, Caris LeVert has taken a bigger load as Darius Garland’s backcourt mate.
Desmond Bane: Right knee soreness; Injured since January 25, 2023
Desmond Bane did not play two nights ago in the Memphis Grizzlies’ 111-100 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He suffered a knee injury on Jan. 25 when the Grizzlies lost to the Golden State Warriors.
One of the NBA’s most improved players has now been ruled doubtful when Memphis hosts the Indiana Pacers. The discomfort in his knee has kept him from reportedly practicing, which almost makes it certain he’s not playing tonight.
Desmond Bane (knee) doubtful for Sunday.
Bane’s absence will be a big factor as he has been terrific for the Grizzlies. His 21.6 points per game are second only to Ja Morant’s 27.3 PPG. Bane leads the team in 3-point efficiency (42.3%) by a wide margin.
Ziaire Williams could be inserted into the starting unit again tonight if Desmond Bane is unavailable.