Playoff Hopefuls Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks Face Injury Challenges

Milwaukee, Wisconsin — The Atlanta Hawks, currently holding a 35-38 record, will face off against the Milwaukee Bucks, who stand at 40-33, at Fiserv Forum on Sunday. Both teams are struggling, entering the game with losing streaks—Atlanta has lost two consecutive games and Milwaukee has dropped three in a row, making this matchup critical for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

The Bucks, currently the No. 6 seed, have a strong home record of 23-13, compared to the Hawks’ 16-20 mark on the road. Milwaukee is expected to have the league’s two-time MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, on the floor, providing they get a significant upgrade on his health status due to a lingering left foot sprain. Antetokounmpo sat out against the Denver Nuggets but returned during a recent game against the New York Knicks.

Trae Young, the All-Star point guard for the Hawks, is also dealing with health issues, as he is probable to play with right Achilles tendinitis. His absence would be a major blow to Atlanta, which currently occupies the No. 8 seed in the conference. Reports indicate that Young is determined to play, but he is not the only player on the Hawks dealing with injuries.

Atlanta is significantly impacted by injuries this season, with star forward Jalen Johnson ruled out for the rest of the year after shoulder surgery. Additionally, center Clint Capela is sidelined with a left metacarpal sprain, while forward Larry Nance Jr. is out due to a severe knee injury. Keaton Wallace and Kobe Bufkin will also miss the game, leaving the Hawks shorthanded as they face playoff hopefuls.

For the Bucks, their difficulties have been compounded by the indefinite absence of nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, who is out due to a blood clot in his right calf. Lillard’s condition could keep him sidelined for an extended period, putting additional pressure on the rest of the roster, particularly as Milwaukee tries to regain its footing in the playoff race.

Despite their defensive struggles, Young remains one of the league’s most electric scorers, averaging 24.1 points, 11.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game this season. He is crucial for the Hawks if they hope to surpass the Bucks in the standings, making this matchup pivotal for both teams.

As the regular season approaches its close, the Bucks are eager to turn things around and avoid falling further down the standings. With significant health concerns for both teams, each will be looking for a decisive victory to bolster their playoff chances.