Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report (Jan. 4): Giannis Antetokounmpo and 2 rotation players injured ahead of Trail Blazers clash

The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night at the Fiserv Forum. The Bucks have fallen to 17-15, fifth in the East, after a streaky run following their NBA Cup win. They are 3-4 since. Injuries have held the team back, but the situation on that front has improved over the past few weeks.

However, it didn't prevent them from sustaining an upset against the Brooklyn Nets in their previous outing. Milwaukee was off to a slow start, trailing by 12 points at the break. It fought well to have a legitimate shot at winning the game, but Giannis Antetokounmpo failed to convert a game-winner from point-blank range with six seconds left. The Bucks fouled, and Ziaire Williams knocked two free throws to seal the 113-110 win.

The Bucks lost despite a near triple-double from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had 27 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. Damian Lillard was the only other key contributor, with 23 points. However, he shot 6 of 20, so it wasn't one of his most efficient games.

Milwaukee Bucks injury report: Latest update on Giannis Antetokounnmpo and Khris Middleton

The Bucks list Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton available for the game after listing them on injury list earler. Giannis, Middleton and AJ Green are the three rotation players available to play on Saturday. Giannis has a right patella tendinopathy ailment, Middleton is managing his bilateral ankle injury, and Green has a lumbar contusion. All three are cleared to play for Bucks.

Meanwhile, AJ Johnson, Liam Robbins and Tyler Smith are out on G League assignments.

How to watch Portland Trail Blazers vs. Milwaukee Bucks

KUNP / KATU 2.2 and FanDuel Sports Network - Wisconsin will provide local coverage of the Portland Trail Blazers vs. Milwaukee Bucks game. Other interested viewers can watch live action online via NBA League Pass. The game begins at 8:00 p.m. ET.

The Bucks are heavy favorites with a -12-point spread and a -700 money line to defend their homecourt against the Trail Blazers. They have the better team and comparatively better form than the 11-22 Trail Blazers.