NBA
Wizards’ Taj Gibson (groin) out, Bradley Beal (hamstring) questionable vs. Bucks
Washington Wizards forward Taj Gibson (left groin soreness) is out and guard Bradley Beal (left hamstring) is questionable for Tuesday night’s road game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Daniel Gafford (ankle) was also upgraded to probable for this matchup. Leading into this contest, Washington is 17-21 and ranks 10th in the Eastern Conference standings.
According to various NBA betting sites, the Wizards have the seventh-lowest odds to win the championship. A few sportsbooks are giving the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks greater odds to qualify for the postseason.
The Wizards have updated their injury report to downgrade Taj Gibson to out for tonight's game in Milwaukee because of left groin soreness. This will be the third consecutive game Gibson has missed. Bradley Beal continues to be listed as questionable to play tonight.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) January 3, 2023
Through 23 appearances this season, Gibson is averaging career lows of 3.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, and nine minutes per game. Plus, he’s shooting 53.4% from the field and 75% at the foul line.
On Nov. 27, in the Wizards’ 130-121 loss versus the Boston Celtics, the wing scored a season-high 12 points in 13 minutes of action. He shot 4-of-6 (66.7%) from the floor and made all four of his free throws.
Wizards forward Taj Gibson (groin) out, guard Bradley Beal (hamstring) questionable against Bucks on Tuesday
The 14-year veteran has missed back-to-back games due to his left groin injury. During the offseason, Gibson signed with Washington on a one-year, $1.836 million veteran-minimum contract.
As for Bradley Beal, the three-time All-Star is still dealing with a lingering hamstring injury. He has missed 15 games so far this season. And Beal has missed Washington’s last three games.
Furthermore, the Wizards guard is averaging 23.5 points, 3.6 boards, 5.2 assists, and 1.0 steal per game. Not to mention, he’s shooting a career-best 52.7% from the field and 34.3% outside the arc.
The Bucks’ latest injury report for tomorrow’s game:
Giannis (knee)- Probable
Jrue Holiday (illness)- Probable
George Hill (illness)- Probable
Khris Middleton (knee)- Out pic.twitter.com/jKQA7e9jQX— Bucks Lead (@BucksLead) January 2, 2023
Meanwhile, the Bucks have three players listed as probable: George Hill (illness), Jrue Holiday (illness), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee). Khris Middleton (knee) remains out indefinitely.
While the Wizards are on a five-game win streak, Milwaukee has won just four of its last 10 games. On New Year’s Day, Washington won 118-95 over the Bucks in the first meeting of the season series.
For a couple of notable betting trends, Washington is 2-10 in its past 12 matchups against the Bucks. To add to the aforementioned data, Milwaukee is 5-1 in its previous six meetings versus the Wizards. Of course, sportsbooks show Washington as a 7.5-point underdog away.