Bucks, Bulls Announce Starting Lineups for NBA Cup Game

Oct 25, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) battle for possession of the ball in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks have announced their starting lineups ahead of a critical Emirates NBA Cup encounter on Friday night.

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Milwaukee, the reigning Emirates NBA Cup champion, has gone undefeated (8-0) across both seasons of group round play since the beginning of the ultimately meaningless-but-still-fun midseason tournament.

Injury-Necessitated Starter Churn

With Kevin Porter Jr. still recovering from surgery to repair a meniscus tear, Ryan Rollins will earn the Bucks' starting point guard nod. He'll be joined in the backcourt by AJ Green, with Gary Trent Jr. starting at small forward. Nine-time All-NBA superstar power forward and $108.9 million free agent center signing Myles Turner will hold down the paint in the frontcourt.

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For Chicago, rising star Josh Giddey and Tre Jones (in for Coby White, who's struggling with a calf injury) will start at the two guard spots, Isaac Okoro will start at small forward, 2025 All-Rookie Teamer Matas Buzelis will get the nod at power forward, and former two-time All-Star center Nikola Vucevic will suit up at center.

The action tips off at 7 p.m. CT.

For more news and notes on the Milwaukee Bucks, visit Milwaukee Bucks on SI.