Milwaukee Bucks injury report: What is Giannis’ status? Middleton, Lopez ruled out

SALT LAKE CITY – The Milwaukee Bucks (33-16) look to get a bit of revenge on the Utah Jazz (24-26) tonight at 7 p.m. at the Delta Center after the Jazz won in Fiserv Forum on Jan. 8.

Damian Lillard missed that game due to personal reasons for the Bucks.

The Bucks won their first game under Doc Rivers on Saturday in Dallas and clinched his spot as the Eastern Conference all-star coach. After going 14-5 from Dec. 21-Jan. 27, the Jazz have lost three in a row.   

More: Doc Rivers holds his first Milwaukee Bucks practice in Dallas: ‘We changed a lot’

Is Giannis playing?

He is probable, with right knee patella tendinitis. It is a new injury designation for the MVP candidate.

Khris Middleton ruled out for Bucks

After playing a season-high 38 minutes, 29 seconds on Saturday against Dallas, the Bucks held out Khris Middleton for Sunday’s game in Salt Lake City for right knee injury management.

It is the eighth game the 32-year-old all-star will miss, seven of which were part of back-to-back sets. He played in consecutive games just once, logging 15 minutes in first half action against San Antonio on Jan. 4.

Middleton had not played 38 minutes in a regular season game since March 4, 2022 in Chicago (38:45).

Brook Lopez remains out for personal reasons

The Bucks center missed Saturday’s game in Dallas and was also out for the game against the Jazz for personal reasons.

Bucks injury report

• Khris Middleton, out (right knee injury management)
• Brook Lopez, out (personal reasons)
• Damian Lillard, questionable (left ankle sprain)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo, probable (right patella tendinitis)
• Andre Jackson Jr., probable (right wrist sprain)

Bucks probable starting lineup

• Guards: Malik Beasley, Andre Jackson Jr.
• Forwards: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jae Crowder
• Center: Robin Lopez

Bucks hire assistant coach Pete Dominguez

Doc Rivers has added to his coaching staff since taking over the job on Jan. 26. Dave Joerger and Rex Kalamian were at Rivers’ introductory press conference on Jan. 27, and Pete Dominguez brought aboard shortly thereafter.

Dominguez worked with Rivers in Philadelphia and with the Los Angeles Clippers and Rivers said he was instrumental building in the video room in both places. He also assisted Kalamian in coaching the Armenian national team and coached Obras Sanitarias in Argentina.

Along with video duties, Rivers said Dominguez will assist in player development, on defense and “coaching the coaches.”

“He’s a very important guy for me,” Rivers said.