Damian Lillard reacts to the Bucks’ win over the Pistons after Giannis’ ejection
Damian Lillard came through for the Milwaukee Bucks in a “character-building” win after Giannis Antetokounmpo was sent off in Wednesday night’s game against the Pistons.
Milwaukee Bucks
INDIANAPOLIS – The Milwaukee Bucks (5-2) bring a three-game winning streak into Gainbridge Fieldhouse to face the Indiana Pacers (5-3) on Thursday night, but they will do so without Damian Lillard.
The meeting point is scheduled for 6 p.m
It’s the second night in a row for both teams, as the Bucks defeated Detroit in the final seconds in Milwaukee on Wednesday, while the Pacers outlasted Utah at home.
Khris Middleton is back for the Bucks
After being sidelined with a right knee injury on Wednesday, Middleton is expected to be back in the Bucks’ lineup against the Pacers. He is not on the injury report.
He also started a back-to-back game on October 29th and played again on October 30th. The three-time all-star has played 21 minutes in his last two appearances.
Bucks injury report
The Bucks have listed two-way guard Lindell Wigginton as ready to play.
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing?
Yes, because he is in the starting line-up. Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin said Antetokounmpo will be evaluated after his pregame warmup to see if he can play.
Is Damian Lillard playing?
No. An hour before tipoff, the Bucks ruled out Lillard.
He was listed as questionable earlier in the day due to soft tissue soreness in his right calf. Griffin had said earlier in the day that Lillard would be examined after his warmups.
“We have the best doctors in the league and they will take good care of him and we will see how he feels after he warms up,” Griffin said.
Bucks starting lineup
Lillard will miss his first game of the season.
- Guards: Cameron Payne, Malik Beasley
- Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton
- Center: Brook Lopez
Tyrese Haliburton starts the Pacers’ All-Star appearance
Indiana is off to a roaring start offensively, having the No. 1 offense in the league (126.0 points per game), and they are the only team in the league to date to score more than 50 points in a quarter (4th). November vs Charlotte) and 80 points in one half (November 6 vs San Antonio).
The generator is Oshkosh All-Star Tyrese Haliburton. The 23-year-old is averaging 23.9 points and 11.9 assists per game while leading an Indiana offense that is No. 2 in pace with 104.06 possessions per 48 minutes.
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