The Milwaukee Bucks’ West Coast road trip started on a sour note, as their five-game winning streak was snapped by the Clippers on Saturday. Despite the setback, the team still has a chance for redemption when they face the Utah Jazz on Monday night. With the Jazz struggling, this game could be an opportunity for the Bucks to bounce back.

However, not everything is looking good for the Milwaukee squad, as concerning news has emerged regarding the availability of key players Bobby Portis and Giannis Antetokounmpo for the clash.

Bobby Portis and Giannis Antetokounmpo status vs. Jazz

Bobby Portis was absent from the roster in the last game against the Clippers, marking his second miss of the season. Tonight will be his third absence, as the Bucks have ruled him out citing personal reasons. Some reports suggest that the 29-year-old is dealing with some family issues.

Portis has been a strong presence in the Bucks’ lineup contributing 13.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and two assists per game. Now, the team will have to adjust without him. However, that’s not the only challenge Milwaukee will face tonight.

The team’s ace, Giannis Antetokounmpo is dealing with right patella tendinopathy. The injury isn’t new, as he played through it in the previous game. So, for tonight’s matchup, the franchise has listed Giannis as probable, according to The Athletic’s Erick Nehm. He had the same status on Saturday before being cleared to play.

Giannis has been dealing with his troublesome knee throughout the season but has missed only six games, not just due to the knee, but also due to illness. This shows his resilience and determination as he pushes toward his third MVP title. In his 37 appearances, the Greek Freak has averaged 31.4 points, 12.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists, standing tall in the third spot in the Kia MVP rankings.

Similar to the previous game, Giannis might suit up for the interconference clash, but the decision will depend on the franchise’s final roster announcement. But before that, the organization will be monitoring his condition.

Besides Portis and Giannis, the Bucks have a few more players on their injury list. All-Star forward Khris Middleton is currently questionable due to bilateral ankle injuries, which have kept him from being a regular in the lineup this season. Meanwhile, AJ Green is dealing with a left quadriceps strain, leaving his status in question.

The two-way players AJ Johnson and Liam Robbins will be with the franchise’s G League affiliates, so they won’t be joining the squad. Additionally, Tyler Smith is sidelined due to illness.

The last time the Bucks and Jazz met in November, the Bucks came out on top. This time it could be more of the same. Milwaukee has won eight of its last 10 games and sits comfortably in fourth place in the East, while Utah has struggled, going 2-8 in their last 10 suffering silently at the bottom of the West. The Bucks certainly have the edge on paper but nothing can be guaranteed before the final buzzer. So, be sure to tune in at 9 PM ET to catch all the live action from the Delta Center.