On March 24, 2025, the Milwaukee Bucks suffered a close 108-106 loss to the Phoenix Suns, marking a challenging period for the team. They ended a five-game road trip with a 2-3 record amid injuries, including star point guard Damian Lillard, who is out indefinitely with a blood clot, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who sprained his foot. The Bucks struggled offensively, failing to reach 50 points in a half and committing ten turnovers. Despite Giannis being a game-time decision, he played but missed a subsequent game. The Bucks now face the New York Knicks in a critical matchup as they seek playoff positioning.
Doc Rivers, Giannis and Brook Lopez discuss the Bucks’ loss to Suns
Doc Rivers, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Brook Lopez analyze the Milwaukee Bucks’ narrow 108-106 defeat to the Phoenix Suns on March 24, 2025.
The Milwaukee Bucks are looking to regain momentum with a few home games after completing a five-game road trip that ended with a 2-3 record. Compounding their challenges, all-star point guard Damian Lillard is out indefinitely due to a blood clot in his right calf, and Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a left foot sprain during their game in Phoenix on Monday.
The Bucks struggled offensively once again, failing to reach 50 points in a half as they trailed the Knicks 60-49 at halftime. They turned the ball over 10 times, which allowed the Knicks to convert those mistakes into 16 points, helping New York attempt 16 more shots than Milwaukee in the half.
After one quarter, the Knicks led 25-19, bolstered by 10 second-chance points and six points from Bucks turnovers. Former Bucks guard Delon Wright made an impact, scoring a season-high 10 points in the opening quarter while Giannis managed only two points on 1-of-2 shooting.
With an overall record of 40-32, Milwaukee has gone 4-7 since March 5, dropping to 6th in the Eastern Conference playoff standings—setting up a potential first-round matchup against New York. The two teams will meet tonight at Fiserv Forum, the last regular-season encounter, after the Knicks (45-27) previously defeated Milwaukee by a cumulative 56 points in their earlier matchups.
Is Giannis playing?
Yes. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers initially indicated Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a game-time decision due to his left foot sprain. Although he played in Phoenix, he sat out the game against Denver. Giannis had been on an 18-game streak since the all-star break, averaging 26.8 points and 11.6 rebounds per game.
“If they allow him to play, they clearly don’t expect it to aggravate,” Rivers commented prior to the game. “If they thought it would linger, they’d say he’s out. That’s what I would say, and that’s what you want me to say.”
While the Bucks are not better off without Antetokounmpo, Rivers mentioned the importance of evaluating player combinations that do not include him, especially with Damian Lillard sidelined indefinitely.
“I’d prefer Giannis to play tonight, but in the games he misses, we get an opportunity to see how we function without him on the court. That’s critical for us.”
Jalen Brunson out for the Knicks
New York will also be without a crucial player, point guard Jalen Brunson, who has been recovering from an ankle sprain sustained on March 6. The all-star is making progress and is expected to fully recover by playoff time. The Bucks have struggled against Brunson since his arrival in New York, where he posted a 15-point, 9-assist performance in the Knicks’ victory on Nov. 8 and a remarkable 44 points with 6 assists on Jan. 12.
What time is the Bucks game?
The matchup against the Knicks is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
What channel are the Bucks on?
The game will be aired locally on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, featuring commentary from Lisa Byington, Steve Novak, and Melanie Ricks.
- Bobby Portis Jr., out (suspension)
- Jericho Sims, out (thumb surgery)
- Damian Lillard, out (calf thrombus)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, questionable (left foot sprain)
Bucks starting lineup
- Guards: Ryan Rollins, Taurean Prince
- Forwards: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyle Kuzma
- Center: Brook Lopez
Bucks vs. Knicks odds, over/under
New York is favored by 1.5 points over Milwaukee, with the over/under set at 217.5 points according to BetMGM.
Eastern Conference playoff standings
As we approach Friday night’s games, the Eastern Conference playoff standings are as follows:
- Cleveland (59-14)
- Boston (54-19)
- New York (45-27)
- Indiana (43-30)
- Detroit (41-32)
- Milwaukee (40-32)
- Atlanta (35-38)
- Orlando (35-39)
- Chicago (33-40)
- Miami (32-41)
Eastern Conference playoff bracket
As we head into Friday night’s games, here’s a look at the East playoff bracket:
No. 1 Cleveland vs. No. 8 play-in winner
No. 2 Boston vs. No. 7 play-in winner
No. 3 New York vs. No. 6 Milwaukee
No. 4 Indiana vs. No. 5 Detroit