Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has set, in his mind, two firm goals for his team in the early stages of the 2025-26 season: Space the floor, and do not lose two games in a row.
The Bucks will look to do both tonight in Dallas, as they play the second night of a back-to-back after dropping a tough game against Houston on Nov. 9. The Bucks had 18 assists in the first half against the Rockets but finished with 25 as they watched a double-digit lead disappear.
Milwaukee is 6-4 on the season and has yet to lose two straight.
Now, they look to bounce back against an injured Dallas (3-7) team led by former Bucks head coach Jason Kidd.
“Must win,” Antetokounmpo said of the game against the Mavericks. “It’s a must win. As I said, I think we were supposed to win this game (against Houston). We didn’t. We gave them the game. (Nov. 10) we have another one. This is why the NBA is great. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, tomorrow you have another one, you have another chance to redeem yourself. But (at Dallas) is a must win. We cannot lose two in a row.”
Is Giannis playing?
It is likely. He is listed as probable to play with pain in his left knee, but he did not seem overly hampered by the issue on Nov. 9 vs. Houston.
Milwaukee Bucks injury report
- Kevin Porter Jr., out (right meniscus surgery)
- Taurean Prince, out (herniated disc in neck)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, probable (left patellar tendinopathy)
Bucks probable starters
- Guards: AJ Green, Gary Trent Jr., Ryan Rollins
- Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Center: Myles Turner
What time is the Bucks game?
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.
What time is the Packers game?
The Packers are hosting the Eagles on Monday Night Football at Lambeau Field, with kickoff scheduled at 7:15 p.m. CT.
What channel are the Bucks on?
The game will be broadcast locally on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin with Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson and Melanie Ricks on the call.
Bucks vs. Mavericks odds, over/under
Milwaukee is a 1.5-point favorite over Dallas, with the over/under set at 230.5 per BetMGM.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Bucks injury report: Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight?
