The Phoenix Suns are facing a significant challenge as they prepare to take on the Milwaukee Bucks on April 1, 2025, without their star player Kevin Durant. Durant is expected to miss at least a week due to a left ankle sprain he suffered during a loss to the Houston Rockets on March 30, 2025. This injury comes at a critical time for the Suns, who are currently struggling to secure a playoff position in the Western Conference.
Durant rolled his ankle after stepping on the foot of Houston forward Jabari Smith Jr. during a drive in the third quarter. He immediately left the game and did not return, leaving the Suns to contend with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. According to ESPN, Durant will sit out the upcoming three-game road trip, which includes tough matchups against the Bucks, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks.
The Suns currently sit 11th in the Western Conference, just one game behind the 10th-seeded Dallas Mavericks. In the 13 games that Durant has missed this season, Phoenix has managed to win only two, posting a dismal 2-11 record. This trend raises concerns about their ability to compete without him, especially given their challenging schedule ahead, which includes games against the Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Sacramento Kings following Durant’s expected return.
Before the injury, Durant was in stellar form, averaging 33 points, five rebounds, and four assists while shooting an impressive 61% from three-point range over his previous four games. His absence will place an increased burden on fellow stars Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, both of whom are listed as questionable for the game against the Bucks.
The matchup against the Bucks is particularly notable as the two teams have a competitive rivalry. Just a week prior, the Suns edged the Bucks 108-106 in a thrilling contest, thanks to a clutch jumper from Booker in the closing seconds. However, the Bucks will be looking to avenge that loss and end their own four-game losing streak.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had a dominant performance in the previous game against the Suns, is set to play after being listed as probable due to a left foot sprain. In his last outing, he scored 31 points with nine rebounds and five assists, showcasing his ability to lead the team despite injury concerns. The Bucks, who are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 40-34 record, are eager to secure a win to boost their playoff positioning.
Milwaukee's head coach Doc Rivers expressed confidence in his team’s ability to bounce back, stating, "We’ve faced tough times before, but we know how to get back on track. Our focus is on playing hard and executing our game plan." The Bucks will look to capitalize on the Suns’ weakened roster, especially with the Suns struggling defensively in recent games.
As the game approaches, the Bucks have been made 5.5-point favorites over the Suns, according to BetMGM. The over/under for the game is set at 225.5 points, indicating expectations for a competitive and high-scoring affair.
The Suns will be looking to improve their chances of making it to the postseason without Durant. If they fail to secure a playoff spot, Durant’s future in Phoenix could become a hot topic during the offseason. The Suns, now at 35-40, were initially anticipated to be title contenders after acquiring Durant last season, but have instead found themselves in a fight just to reach the playoffs.
Tonight’s game will be broadcast on TNT, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET from the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. As fans tune in, all eyes will be on how the Suns adapt without their star player and whether Booker can step up to lead the team against a Bucks squad desperate for a win.
In summary, the Suns are facing a critical matchup against the Bucks as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season. With Durant sidelined and playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Suns will need to rally together and find a way to secure a much-needed victory.
