The Milwaukee Bucks have battled back from a very slow start to the season and are now one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee currently holds the No. 4 spot in the East standings, with a record of 36-25.
This team is currently on a four-game winning streak and has won eight of its past ten games. The Bucks are looking to clinch home-court advantage, at least in the first round of the postseason.
But in order to achieve that, the Bucks will need to continue winning down the stretch. They will be taking on the Orlando Magic tonight, but the injury report did list a few notable players.
Both stars, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard were listed on the injury report heading into the game. Lillard was listed as probable for the game and will play in this contest.
Damian Lillard (eye) available to play Saturday.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) March 8, 2025
Antetokounmpo was listed as probable but was downgraded earlier this morning due to a non-COVID illness. He will likely play in this game.
Rivers: Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) “looks good” to play Saturday.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) March 8, 2025
The Bucks are a completely different team when Antetokounmpo takes the court. His presence on both ends of the floor gives this Milwaukee squad a legitimate two-way player.
Milwaukee relies heavily on Antetokounmpo, and he has delivered well all season long. Antetokounmpo has been playing like a true MVP candidate this year, averaging 30.8 points, 12.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game.
Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images
With this game against Orlando, Milwaukee will be looking to defend its home court. The Bucks have been much better this season in front of their loyal fans at Fiserv Forum.
Milwaukee owns a record of 21-9 at home this year, compared to their 14-16 record on the road. The Bucks understand that if they want to truly contend in the postseason they will need to win on the road.
But the health of Lillard and Antetokounmpo are the biggest factors. Milwaukee has seen some poorly timed injuries take place over the past few years and it has cost them in the postseason.
The Bucks believe that if they have their two stars healthy for the playoffs, they can contend for a title. It won’t be easy, but this Milwaukee team has faced all sorts of adversity this season and has come out the other side.
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