Is Giannis Antetokounmpo Playing Tonight? Bucks vs Rockets Injury Report, Where to Watch & More (Nov. 9)

The Bucks faced a disappointing loss in Toronto, but the two-time MVP had set the tone for the team’s mindset, declaring, “This year is not the year of excuses,” and the same was reflected in their win against the Bulls. Giannis backed up his words with a 41-point, 15-rebound, 9-assist performance against the Bulls. Once again proving why he is the best MVP contender in the Bucks, but let’s look at the injury update of the two teams.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Houston Rockets Injury Report

Milwaukee Bucks Injury Update

The Milwaukee Bucks enter Sunday’s clash with a few notable names on the injury list. Apart from Giannis’ probable status, here are some other names on the list.

1. Forward Taurean Prince will remain sidelined due to a neck injury, extending his absence into another game.
2. Guard Kevin Porter Jr. is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery on his right knee meniscus earlier this week, according to Eric Nehm of The Athletic.

Houston Rockets Injury Update

The Houston Rockets are also without key contributors.

1. Forward Dorian Finney-Smith remains out following ankle surgery and is yet to get a clear timetable for his return.
2. Veteran guard Fred VanVleet continues his recovery from a torn ACL sustained earlier in the year and is expected to miss the entire 2025–26 season, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Predicted Lineups for Bucks vs Rockets

The projected starting lineups for both teams are as follows:

These are the lineups based on the latest injury reports and recent team rotations. They are subjected to change, leading into Sunday’s matchup.

Where to Watch the Bucks vs Rockets Game

Here is how fans can catch the upcoming Bucks vs Rockets showdown.

Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

TV: Bally Sports Wisconsin for Bucks viewers and Space City Home Network for Houston fans

Streaming: Available on NBA League Pass, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo for out-of-market audiences

Match Preview & Predictions

The Milwaukee Bucks enter this matchup riding a wave of confidence. Of course, they will rely on Giannis Antetokounmpo heavily, yet he could use some support from the roster.

The Houston Rockets, led by Kevin Durant, also remain one of the most intriguing teams in the West. The mix of key veterans like KD with the young core, including Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, is turning out to be a promising roster.

Analytically, Milwaukee may hold the upper hand. They currently rank among the league’s top teams in rebounding and offensive efficiency. If Antetokounmpo plays, Milwaukee’s attack and home-court advantage should tip the scales in their favor.