Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight against Toronto Raptors? Latest on Bucks star’s availability for Emirates NBA Cup game (Nov. 12)

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are set to try and rebound from their rough start to the season as they start their Emirates NBA Cup run on Tuesday. Led by stars Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Bucks have stumbled out of the gate, winning just two of their first 10 games.

The Bucks and the Raptors sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Though Milwaukee's lineup looks stronger on paper, they’ll be missing key players: Damian Lillard, who’s entered the league’s concussion protocol, and Khris Middleton, still sidelined with an ankle injury.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as probable along with Gary Trent Jr. and Andre Jackson Jr., but expect him to play and be a major factor as the Bucks look to regain their footing this season.

Toronto is also shorthanded, with Scottie Barnes (orbital fracture), Kelly Olynyk (back strain), Bruce Brown (knee surgery) and Ja'Kobe Walter (AC joint sprain) out.

Despite Bucks’ tough start, Giannis Antetokounmpo says he’s playing with joy

During the Bucks' recent game against the Boston Celtics, Giannis Antetokounmpo stirred some buzz with a playful handshake prank on Jaylen Brown, pulling back just as the reigning Finals MVP went for the dap.

Brown had words for Antetokounmpo after the game, calling him a “child.”

"Giannis is a child," Brown said after the game. "I'm just focused on helping my team get a win. And that's what we did tonight."

In response, Antetokounmpo explained that he simply enjoys playing the game with a lighthearted spirit, which he showed in that moment.

"We always joke around with the flow of the game. It's something that I do to my kids, I play around. This is who I am. I play the game with fun, joy," he said (per SI).

"I think he's an incredible player. He always does the right thing to help his team win. But I'm just gonna continue to be me and at the end of the day if I'm called the child so be it. ... If I have another opportunity I'll do it again."

Brown and the Celtics came out on top, winning 113-107 for their ninth victory of the season. Brown contributed 14 points and five assists.

Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, had a strong showing with 43 points, 13 rebounds and five assists, though it wasn’t enough to avoid the Bucks' eighth loss.