Lost in the excitement of the Green Bay Packers’ playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles is the fact that the Milwaukee Bucks also play on Sunday afternoon. Their match is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. against the team New York Knicks on the way to Madison Square Garden.
With a record of 20-16, Milwaukee is currently in fourth place in the NBA’s Eastern Conference after a 109-106 victory over the Orlando Magic, who are now 22-18. The upcoming game against the Knicks is crucial for early season standing as New York is 25-14, 3.5 games ahead of the Bucks in the standings.
With the Cleveland Cavaliers (33-4) and Boston Celtics (27-11) holding the top two seed in the conference, Milwaukee’s best chance to move up the rankings is to overtake the Knicks.
Unfortunately, on Sunday they will have to try to win without two key rotation players.
The Milwaukee Bucks will not play Gary Trent Jr.’s New York Knicks. and Ryan Rollins
The backup quarterback was revealed Sunday morning Ryan Rollinswho has become a key player coming off the bench, will miss Milwaukee’s game against New York due to the same illness that sidelined Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard for many games.
According to the Bucks, Ryan Rollins (non-Covid illness) is now unavailable for tonight’s game in New York. https://t.co/M1IkjDkxq2
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) January 12, 2025
Rollins is averaging 4.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game this season, all highs of his career. He is also shooting 47/39/82 from the floor.
In addition to Rollins currently being unwell, the Bucks were also in charge Gary Trent Jr. with hip flexor strain:
Additionally, the Bucks have ruled out Gary Trent Jr. in the latest injury report. (left hip flexor tear) from today’s match. So the modern injury report looks like this:
Likely:
Antetokounmpo, Lillard, Middleton
Outside:
Johnson, Livingston, Rollins, Smith, Trent Jr. https://t.co/M1IkjDkxq2— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) January 12, 2025
Trent, who was originally expected to be the Bucks’ starting scorer, found a better role coming off the bench. Even though he doesn’t start the game, he is often on the court in key moments due to his correct three-point shooting and robust defense.
After a shockingly chilly start to the season, Trent is averaging 9.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.9 assists while shooting 43/43/90 from the floor.
Only AJ Green and Taurean Prince have a higher team three-point shooting percentage than Trent this season.
Without either of these players, Delon Wright had a infrequent chance to play in Lillard’s defense. After a destitute start to the season, he was relegated to the back of the bench.
Additionally, Pat Connaughton, who was also banished to the trash crew, could see some fun time as Trent.
His robust performance in New York could lend a hand raise his trade value, allowing the Bucks to potentially lose salary.
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