The Milwaukee Bucks go to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, December 21, with key availability points shaping the interconference matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET at Goal Heart.
Milwaukee enters at 11-17 and driving a two-game shedding streak after latest defeats in opposition to Toronto and Brooklyn. Minnesota stands 18-10 and returns house following a 112-107 win over Oklahoma Metropolis.
The Bucks’ harm report is headlined by the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s out with a proper calf pressure. His absence removes 28.9 factors, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per recreation from Milwaukee’s lineup.
Taurean Prince can be dominated out following neck surgical procedure, whereas Alex Antetokounmpo stays unavailable on account of his two-way G League task.
Kevin Porter Jr. has averaged 19.6 factors and seven.6 assists in his 9 begins and is prone to shoulder a bigger playmaking function. Ryan Rollins has been a gentle presence, contributing 17.0 factors and 5.9 assists per recreation whereas beginning a lot of the season.
Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis are anticipated to deal with elevated scoring accountability within the frontcourt. Myles Turner stays a key two-way piece, offering ground spacing and rim safety whereas averaging 12.5 factors and 1.5 blocks.
The Timberwolves’ harm report is lighter however nonetheless notable. Veteran level guard Mike Conley is listed as questionable with proper Achilles tendinopathy after enjoying a lowered function all through the season.
If Conley is proscribed or unavailable, Minnesota is anticipated to lean additional on Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo to provoke offense. Edwards has been the point of interest, averaging 28.5 factors per recreation whereas capturing over 41 p.c from three-point vary.
Julius Randle continues to offer constant manufacturing alongside Edwards, posting 22.9 factors and seven.2 rebounds per recreation. Rudy Gobert anchors the inside, averaging 10.6 rebounds whereas capturing over 73 p.c from the sphere.
This would be the first assembly between the groups this season.