The Milwaukee Bucks are on a mission to secure a victory as they wrap up their five-game, nine-day road trip against the Phoenix Suns tonight at the Footprint Center. At halftime, the Bucks hold a narrow 49-48 lead over the Suns in a game marked by both teams’ struggles to make shots.
Despite facing challenges, the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo managed to score 14 points, leading the team, while the Suns’ Devin Booker contributed 16 points to keep the game competitive. However, the Bucks faced a setback when Khris Middleton, the all-star forward, exited the game due to a left ankle sprain less than nine minutes into the game.
Under the coaching of Doc Rivers, the Bucks have encountered a 1-3 record since the start of the trip on Jan. 29, slipping to the No. 3 position in the Eastern Conference. On the other hand, the Suns have been in good form, winning seven of their last 10 games and currently standing at 29-21 overall.
The game, scheduled for a 9 p.m. CT start, is being aired on TNT, with Giannis Antetokounmpo set to start despite being listed as probable to play due to right patellar tendinitis. However, the Bucks will be without Damian Lillard, who has been ruled out due to a left ankle sprain.
Lillard’s absence marks only the fourth game he has missed this season, emphasizing the significance of his injury. With the Bucks’ upcoming game at Fiserv Forum, the decision to rest Lillard is aimed at ensuring his recovery and the team’s overall health as they strive to make a strong playoff push.
