Bucks Aim for Victory Against Warriors Amid Injury Reports

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Milwaukee Bucks are set to square off against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night for their 68th game of the 2024-25 NBA season. After a recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Bucks will seek to secure their 39th victory as they kick off a five-game West Coast road trip.

This matchup is crucial for Milwaukee, which is battling Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. Currently sitting in the No. 4 seed, every game holds significant weight as the season winds down. The Bucks will be bolstered by the return of star guard Damian Lillard, who has been upgraded to available for the game after dealing with a minor groin issue.

In his 58th game of the season, Lillard is averaging 25.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.2 steals. Though he struggled with a 3-of-9 shooting performance in his last outing, he remains a pivotal player for Milwaukee. Historically, Lillard has performed well against the Warriors, boasting an average of 28.7 points per game in 37 meetings.

The Bucks enter the contest as 2.5-point favorites, seeking their 15th win away from home. However, they face a tough challenge, as the Warriors have thrived on their home court with a 21-13 record this season. Golden State is currently on a hot streak, winning nine of their last ten games and averaging 119.4 points.

“We are focused on bouncing back,” Bucks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer said after a recent practice. “These road games are critical, and we need to stay locked in.”

On the opposing side, Golden State has also dealt with injuries but remains a formidable opponent. Without their star, Steph Curry, who has been given rest, the Warriors will look to other players to step up. In Curry’s absence, the Warriors still boast a potent offense, showing resilience with a solid record in recent games.

With Lillard on the floor, the Bucks believe they can compete with the best, especially with the intense playoff race ahead. “Our stars need to deliver, and we trust Damian to be that leader for us,” forward Giannis Antetokounmpo remarked.

As both teams prepare for what promises to be an intense showdown, fans can expect a high-scoring affair with major implications on playoff standings.