With the NBA season well underway, the Milwaukee Bucks will clash against the Houston Rockets for their upcoming regular-season game. The Rockets are currently occupying the last spot in the Western Conference, while the Bucks are ranked fifth in the East. The defending champions have been doing fairly well this season, hoping to bag a win after two consecutive losses.

However, the odds do not seem to be in the Bucks’ favor.

Will Giannis Antetokounmpo play against the San Antonio Spurs?

As unfortunate as it is, the Bucks will be playing without Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak is out due to health and safety protocols laid down by the league; a major setback for the team looking to bag a win. Their last game was a 119-90 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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A couple of days ago, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks faced the Rockets, where the Bucks put an end to Houston’s seven-game win streak with their 123-114 win. With this season almost halfway through the regular season already, each team needs to get their hands on any win they can. Having said that, Giannis’ interactions with the Rockets have been interesting, to say the least.

The last time Giannis did not play a full game against the Rockets, Kevin Porter Jr. stepped up for his team. He scored 50 points, the Rockets taking complete advantage of Giannis’ absence due to his sprained right ankle. While the Rockets will miss Porter this time, they will have Alperen Sengun. The rookie has been stunning everyone with his passing, drawing comparisons to Nikola Jokic.

Injuries for the Bucks – Bobby Portis, Giannis (health and safety protocols), Brook Lopez (back surgery), and Donte DiVincenzo (ankle).

Injuries for the Rockets – Christian Woods (knee), Jalen Green (hamstring), and Porter Jr (thigh)

Bucks starting lineup

• PG – George Hill
• SG – Eric Gordon
• SF – Grayson Allen
• PF – Khris Middleton
• C – DeMarcus Cousins

Rockets starting lineup

• PG – Armoni Brooks
• SG – Eric Gordon
• SF – Garrison Mathews
• F – Jae’Sean Tate
• C – Daniel Theis

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Result Prediction: Can the Bucks bag a win without Giannis?

Only looking at the stats, the Bucks should be able to win the Rockets without their star player available. Of course, the Rockets themselves will be without Porter and players like Jalen Green. Despite the back-to-back loss.

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