Kyle Kuzma Cleared to Play Against Pistons Despite Ankle Sprain

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Kyle Kuzma has been cleared to play in Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons, marking a significant boost for the Milwaukee Bucks. The game is set to begin at 1 p.m. EDT at Fiserv Forum, where the Bucks will be looking to navigate the season without key player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury.

Kuzma, who has been battling a right ankle sprain, is expected to shoulder the scoring load for the Bucks in this critical stretch of the season. So far, he has averaged 14.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, shooting 43.2 percent from the field and facing challenges from beyond the three-point line with a career-low percentage of 29.7.

Bucks head coach Doc Rivers confirmed Kuzma’s participation in Sunday’s game, stating, “Kuz is ready to go, and we’re confident he can help lead the team this afternoon.” This will be a substantial opportunity for the veteran forward as he attempts to help the Bucks secure a win against the Pistons.

The Bucks are coming off a string of challenging games and will have several players missing, including AJ Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Taurean Prince, and Gary Trent Jr. Alongside the absence of Antetokounmpo, Ryan Rollins will also be sidelined.

Kuzma has participated in 32 games this season since joining the Bucks, establishing himself as a pivotal player with averages of 14.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. His return comes at a time when the Bucks are evaluating their playoff strategies.

The future of the Bucks may hinge on how effectively Kuzma can perform in a game that, though deemed low-stakes for playoff positioning, will provide an opportunity to assess team dynamics without their star player.