The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a challenging situation as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Brooklyn Nets. Their star point guard, Damian Lillard, who has been an eight-time All-Star, is doubtful for the matchup due to a non-COVID-19 illness. This comes after Lillard had already been dealing with a calf injury sustained during the NBA Cup final, where the Bucks achieved a decisive victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In addition to Lillard's uncertain availability, the Bucks are also missing their two-time MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is sidelined with back spasms. Despite these absences, Milwaukee managed to secure a convincing win against the Chicago Bulls, demonstrating their depth and resilience. In that game, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez stepped up, each scoring 21 points, while Bobby Portis delivered a strong performance with 19 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists.
The Bucks' roster continues to face challenges with injuries, as other players like AJ Johnson and Chris Livingston have already been ruled out for the Nets game. Meanwhile, Lillard's impressive statistics of 25.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game highlight his importance to the team. As they navigate these hurdles, the Bucks will need to rely on their remaining talent to maintain their competitive edge in the league.