Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo shook off knee tendinitis and was in the starting lineup Wednesday night for Milwaukee’s opening night game against Philadelphia.

As expected, Antetokounmpo has been upgraded from probable to available and will play through minor knee pain. With Khris Middleton (ankle) sidelined to start the season, Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard will have to lead the way for Milwaukee against a Philadelphia squad without Paul George (knee) and Joel Embiid (knee).

Multiple teams around the NBA reportedly have begun monitoring Giannis' position in Milwaukee, specifically his commitment to remaining with the franchise.

Damian Lillard scored 30 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo added 25 and the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 124-109 in the season opener for both teams.

Damian Lillard scored 30 points while leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 124-109 road win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams. Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 25 points on 8-of-11 shooting to go along with 14 rebounds and seven assists for Milwaukee.

Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard click from the jump, while the short-handed 76ers move from 'The Process’ to ‘The Plan.’

A couple of Eastern Conference squads looking to recover from disappointing seasons open the new year with injuries as the Philadelphia 76ers host the Milwaukee Bucks at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

The Bucks will play the 76ers tonight for their first game of the 2024 NBA season, tipping off at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Bucks vs. 76ers game will air on ESPN. If you don't have cable, ESPN is available on many major platforms including Fubo,