Hornets vs Bucks: Injury Report, Depth Chart, and More Amid Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co’s Comeback

As the Milwaukee Bucks prepare to take on the Charlotte Hornets, all eyes are on the injury reports. Naturally. After all, both teams are dealing with key player absences, particularly the ‘Brew City’. The Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, are fresh off a dominant 59-point outing from the ‘Greek Freak’. However, just as they hoped to turn the season around, injuries have made their way to the Rivers squad.

On the flip side, the Hornets aren’t better off. Limping into the matchup with injury concerns of their own, the two will meet at Spectrum Center at 3:00 PM ET on November 16th. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.

The injury report of the Milwaukee Bucks vs Charlotte HornetsADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The Greek-Nigerian has been the unquestionable leader, as he has since arriving at Milwaukee, for the team, averaging a monster 33.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. His recent 59-point explosion against the Pistons shows just how dangerous he can be when he’s firing on all cylinders.

Antetokounmpo has been able to impose his will in the paint, and his ability to play both ends of the floor makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing teams. Despite playing through a knee issue, Giannis is listed as ‘probable’ for this game, which is a good sign for Milwaukee fans.

USA Today via Reuters

The same, though, can’t be said of Damian Lillard.

The former Trail Blazer will miss his third straight game due to the league’s concussion protocols. Joining him on the sidelines is none other than Khris Middleton, who has yet to make his debut. The All-Star forward continues to recuperate from a bilateral ankle surgery this past off season. Coach Rivers had gone with two-way player Ryan Rollins in the absence of ‘Dame-Time’.

However, this time, Doc will have to turn to someone else as Rollins is also ‘out’ due to left shoulder instability. But the Bucks do have yet another replacement for Ryan. Veteran combo guard, Delon Wright, can look forward to continuing as the team’s starting point guard. Other names on the report are Bobby Portis Jr. (doubtful to suit up, thanks to a right elbow contusion) and swingman AJ Green (probable due to a left shoulder impingement).

On Charlotte’s side, center Mark Williams, who has been a defensive presence in the paint, is officially out with a foot injury. His absence is a big blow to the team’s interior defense. Needless to say, it will force the Hornets to rely more on the undersized Mason Plumlee or even Jalen McDaniels. However, the other major concern is Miles Bridges.

Bridges has been a solid contributor for the Hornets, averaging 21 points per game last season. Moreover, his ability to stretch the floor and play lockdown defense has been nothing short of impressive. Unfortunately, a right knee bone bruise relegates him to the sidelines. In his absence, Brandon Miller could be called upon to fill the void, although he is still finding his way in the league.

The other two names on the injury list are DaQuan Jeffries (fractured right hand) and Nick Richards (rib cartilage fracture).

The impact on the depth chartWith both teams dealing with key injuries, the depth charts will be crucial in deciding who comes out on top. For the Bucks, it’s all about Giannis—he’s the focal point, but the bench will have to play a bigger role than usual to cover for the absences of Lillard and Middleton.

Article continues below this ad

POSITIONSSTARTERS2ND3RDPGDamian LillardRyan RollinsDelon WrightSGKhris MiddletonAJ GreenGary Trent Jr.SFTaurean PrinceAndre Jackson Jr.Khris MiddletonPFGiannis AntetokounmpoBobby PortisTaurean PrinceCBrook LopezBobby PortisGiannis AntetokounmpoMeanwhile, the Hornets will need their young players to rise to the occasion, especially if Bridges can’t suit up. LaMelo Ball, of course, remains the focal point of their offense. But it’s clear the team will lean on emerging players to keep up with the Milwaukee Bucks squad. With injuries to key pieces and the lack of veteran presence, this game could be a real test for Charlotte’s depth.

POSITIONSSTARTERS2ND3RDPGLaMelo BallTre MannVasilije MicicSGBrandon MillerSeth CurryTre MannSFJosh GreenCody MartinTidjane SalaunPFGrant WilliamsTidjane SalaunJosh GreenCTaj GibsonMoussa DiabeteGrant WilliamsADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

As the Milwaukee Bucks aim to keep their momentum going after a strong win over Detroit, the Hornets will be looking to bounce back from a rough patch. Despite the injuries on both sides, this game could be a fun one to watch, with the Bucks’ star power led by Giannis and the Hornets’ scrappy, high-scoring style led by Ball.

Make sure to tune in and see how this intriguing matchup unfolds!