Is Giannis playing tonight? Bucks vs. Jazz injury report, odds, TV

by Junna Base November 8, 2024

The Milwaukee Bucks (1-6) and the Utah Jazz (1-6) are tied at the bottom of the NBA standings and will meet on Thursday evening at the Fiserv Forum.

In an 82-game season, it’s hard to view a game in early November as an outright win, but Milwaukee is six games behind and will play five games in seven days.

“I think our sense of urgency doesn’t change,” Bucks forward Taurean Prince said at Thursday’s shootout. “There are a lot of things in these games that we can take good things from. Lots of things we can learn from, but you have to win every game.”

Here’s what you should know about the game.

Report: Doc Rivers swaps Andre Jackson Jr. for Gary Trent Jr. in the starting lineup

Bucks head coach Doc Rivers will swap Andre Jackson Jr. for Gary Trent Jr. in the starting lineup, according to a report from NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Rivers confirmed Jackson will start.

“We continue to look for that position, just to be a good role player and defensive stopper,” Rivers said. “Gary had problems too.

“I think Gary will work his way back at some point. I’m just trying to give him room to breathe and get out of his little thing. Because I know he will.”

Rivers talked about Jackson’s energy being contagious.

“Dre gives us things, the main thing is athleticism,” Rivers said after practice Wednesday. “And we need that.”

Trent has struggled with his shot, shooting 9-for-39 (23.1%) on three-pointers this season.

Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing?

Yes. Wednesday’s initial injury report listed Giannis Antetokounmpo as questionable with a right adductor muscle strain, but during his pregame availability, Rivers confirmed Antetokounmpo would play against the Jazz.

What is the Bucks’ record without Giannis?

0-1: Antetokounmpo had to sit out Monday’s loss in Cleveland. Last year, the Bucks went 4-5 when he wasn’t on the roster.

Khris Middleton is out (surgery on both ankles)
Giannis Antetokounmpo, questionable (right adductor strain)

Likely Bucks starting lineup

Guards: Damian Lillard, Andre Jackson Jr.
Forwards: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Taurean Prince
Center: Brook Lopez

Projected starting lineup for the Jazz

Guards: Keyonte George, Collin Sexton
Forwards: Lauri Markkanen, Cody Williams
Middle: Walker Kessler

The Bucks and Cavs kick off at 7:00 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin with Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson and Melanie Ricks.