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

On By Littum

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

In an 82-game season, it’s hard to consider a game in early November a must-win, but Milwaukee is on a six-game skid 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 shootaround. “There are many things in the matches that we can take advantage of. Many things to learn from, but every match is a must-win.”

Stay tuned for live updates.

Second-year Bucks player Andre Jackson Jr. got his first NBA start and gave the Bucks the dose of athleticism they needed.

He knocked the ball away and had a breakaway dunk to tie the game at 6-6. He had another fastbreak layup to take a 13-9 lead and also threw an alley-oop to Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Damian Lillard led the way for the Bucks in the first quarter with 14 points to help Milwaukee take a 31-29 advantage.

Doc Rivers traded Andre Jackson Jr. out with Gary Trent Jr. in the starting lineup

Bucks head coach Doc Rivers traded Andre Jackson Jr. out with Gary Trent Jr. in the starting lineup.

NBA insider Chris Haybes reported the move earlier in the day.

“We keep looking for that position just to be a good role player and defensive stopper,” Rivers said. “Gary has also struggled.

“I think eventually Gary will work his way back. Just trying to give him room to breathe and get out of his little thing. Because I know he will.”

Rivers has talked about Jackson’s energy being contagious.

“Dre gives us things, the No. 1 thing is athleticism,” Rivers said after Wednesday’s practice. “And we need that.”

Trent struggles with his shot, going 9 for 39 (23.1%) on three-pointers this season.

Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing?

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

What is the Bucks’ record without Giannis?

0-1: Antetokounmpo sat out Monday’s loss in Cleveland. Last year, the Bucks went 4-5 when he was out of the lineup.

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

Bucks starting lineup

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

Jazz starting lineup

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

The Bucks and Cavs tip-off at 7:00 PM CT and the game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin with Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson and Melanie Ricks on the call.

Bucks vs Jazz odds, over/under

The Bucks are 8.5-point favorites over the Jazz, and the over/under is 230.5 points, according to BetMGM.