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Will Giannis Antetokounmpo Play Tonight? Milwaukee Bucks vs Portland Trail Blazers: Injury Updates, Lineup and Game Prediction

Published 04/02/2021, 1:30 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Portland Trail Blazers will enter this matchup after victories. While the Bucks put an end to their three-game losing streak by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers, the Blazers stretched their winning streak to four games in a row by triumphing over the Detroit Pistons.

The last time they faced each other, the Bucks had left the court as winners. So, this will be Portland’s shot at avenging their last defeat. With momentum on their side, will the Blazers be able to pull off another win?

Milwaukee Bucks injury updates and lineup prediction

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The Bucks crushed the Blazers 134-106 in their last meeting. Back then, the Bucks were having a good run, but they have been struggling in the past few weeks. Their recent win against the Lakers might inspire some confidence, but the Blazers are a tough matchup.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday were the top scorers in their last game. While Giannis added 25 points and 10 rebounds to the scoreboard, Holiday added 28 points and 8 rebounds.

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It was their big second quarter against the Lakers that put them way ahead for the Lakers to catch up to them. Expect these two to go big if they want a win against Dame’s Blazers.

USA Today via Reuters

Unfortunately, PJ Tucker will not be playing in this game because of a calf injury. Along with him, Bobby Portis and Jeff Teague are also ruled out.

Thus, the predicted lineup would be Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Donte DiVincenzo.

Portland Trail Blazers injury updates and lineup prediction

With every single game that the Blazers play, they look like bigger threats to their opponents. This is largely thanks to Damian Lillard, who is putting up crazy numbers without fail. They destroyed the Detroit Pistons as Dame and CJ McCollum combined for 57 points to lead them to victory.

Dame actually came closer to defeating Michael Jordan in an incredible record in this last matchup as well. While Lillard has done a brilliant job keeping the Blazers as one of the top teams in the West with so many injured players, it’s time for Jusuf Nurkic to get back to his form.

USA Today via Reuters

The Bucks will be going all out and Lillard might not be able to short the fort alone every time. On the injury front, no set timeline has been given for Zach Collins, and Nassir Little is also ruled out for this game.

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With that, the predicted lineup would be Robert Covington, Norman Powell, Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, and Jusuf Nurkic.

Game prediction

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As Giannis and Dame get ready to lock horns, it will be a match that will keep everyone at the edge of their seats. However, expect the Blazers to continue with their winning ways and bag their fifth victory in a row against the Bucks, also taking revenge for their last loss.

 

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Written by:

Yashima Bhatia

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Yashima Bhatia is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports who specialises in providing nuanced predictions and updates for matches. She has a Bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication. Yashima's love for playing the game came up at a young age, when the excitement of the games coupled with the intensity of the Playoffs had her hooked.
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