The Milwaukee Bucks will travel to the Mile High City on Wednesday to take on the Denver Nuggets for the second and final time of the season.
The Bucks will look to sweep the season series against the Nuggets, whom they beat in late February in front of their home fans. This game will be massive for both sides as they jockey for playoff seeding in their respective conferences.
The Bucks enter this game with a 40-31 record, which is good for the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Nuggets hold a 45-28 record, which is good for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
This matchup will be worth watching, as these two teams have two of the best players in the world on their side: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic. While that is the case, the fans won’t see these two together on the court.
Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
Antetokounmpo was initially listed as questionable for this matchup due to a lingering foot issue. The Greek Freak has frequently appeared on the injury report throughout the season, previously dealing with knee and calf concerns.
Now, he will officially sit out. This is the first game he will miss since the All-Star break due to a foot sprain. The Bucks will have to push for their 41st win of the season without their superstar on the floor.
Antetokounmpo last played on Monday against the Phoenix Suns, delivering an impressive performance with 31 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and a steal in 37 minutes of action. With this absence, he will have missed 13 games this season.
Despite the setbacks, the 30-year-old has been nothing short of phenomenal this year. Across 59 games, he is averaging 30.2 points, 12.0 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game while maintaining an elite 60.0 percent shooting efficiency in 34.0 minutes per contest.
As for Jokic, he was upgraded to questionable with an ankle issue. Hours before the game, the Nuggets upgraded him to available and will return from his five-game absence. Jokic will play in his 63rd game of the season.
Nikola Jokic (ankle) available to play Wednesday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) March 27, 2025
Although he is back, Jokic will likely face restrictions in his first game back.
In the season, Jokic has played like the MVP favorite, averaging 29.1 points per game, 12.8 rebounds, 10.3 assists, and 1.8 steals while shooting 57.5 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from three in 36.5 minutes of action.
The Nuggets enter this matchup as heavy favorites with a -10.5 spread.
More news: LeBron James Reveals Details on Complicated Relationship with Michael Jordan
Lakers’ LeBron James Roasts Stephen A. Smith with Taylor Swift Comparison
LeBron James’ ‘Mind The Game’ Podcast Returns With Two-Time MVP Co-Host
For more NBA news and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports.