Milwaukee

Bucks

Giannis has been sidelined since straining his right calf for the second time this season during a January 23 loss to the Nuggets. At the time, he set a four-to-six-week timeline, and the former league MVP is on the right path. “I feel like the break doesn’t help, because now I gotta get on the court, I gotta play some 1-on-1, 3-on-3, 5 vs. 5,” Antetokounmpo said Saturday. “Players are on vacation right now, so it’s kinda hard for me to do that. “So once I check all those boxes, I’m ready to go. I feel like I can play a game today.” Giannis has made it clear he will play again this season. And the Bucks’ wins over Orlando and Oklahoma City heading into the All-Star break likely sparked optimism about the team’s chances of earning a playoff berth once they get their star forward back.

Portis showed again Thursday why he leads all active bench players in double-doubles with 15 points and 12 rebounds in the win over the Thunder. The 31-year-old small forward seems to be over his hip injury. With the All-Star break approaching, Portis and the Bucks are off until Friday, February 20 against the Pelicans.

Dieng has struggled to produce or see minutes consistently this season, but has flashed a high-ceiling in the last two games. The 22-year-old small forward followed up a 17-point performance in 23 minutes in the win against the Magic on Wednesday with a full stat line in the win over the Thunder on Thursday. Dieng had 19 points and was just four assists shy of a triple-double while also contributing on the defensive end with a steal and four blocks. He also made three three-pointers. The Bucks deciding to keep giving him more minutes could lead to more games like this in the future.

With Myles Turner (calf) a late scratch Thursday, Dieng will move into the starting lineup as the only change for the Bucks. The 22-year-old small forward had 17 points in 23 minutes off the bench in Wednesday’s win over the Magic.

Turner wasn’t on the initial injury report, but was a late scratch with right calf soreness. Ousmane Dieng had 17 points in 23 minutes in Wednesday’s win over the Magic and could be in for even more minutes with Turner out Thursday against the Thunder, Dieng’s former team.

Kuzma returned from a calf injury earlier this week, only to find himself back on the injury report with a foot injury. Initially listed as questionable for Thursday’s game against the Thunder, Kuzma was ruled in. He had 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists in Wednesday’s win over the Magic.

Rollins is set to miss his second consecutive game with right foot plantar fasciitis. With the 23-year-old guard out Wednesday against the Magic, Cam Thomas stepped up and dropped 34 points in the victory. Thomas could be in for another big performance with Rollins out, though it’s a more difficult matchup as the Thunder lead the league in defensive efficiency.

Rollins sat out Wednesday’s matchup with Orlando, but he’s got a chance to return for the second leg of Milwaukee’s back-to-back set. If Rollins ultimately sits out, Cam Thomas could be in for another big performance. Thomas dropped 34 points against the Magic and hit a key triple late in the game to seal the victory.

Kuz is back on the injury report, but this time, it’s for a foot issue. If he’s unable to take the court for the Bucks’ final game before the All-Star break, Ousmane Dieng should see a bump in playing time.

KPJ’s play dwindled in January, but his first four games back after missing time with an oblique injury have been excellent. He has averaged 21.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 2.3 steals per game, which has helped the shorthanded Bucks remain competitive. As long as Giannis Antetokounmpo remains out, KPJ should be productive as a high-usage player, and he was able to record his second triple-double of the season in this game.