Must-win game for Phoenix Suns with Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo (hamstring) out?

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game against Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum with a hamstring injury after being listed as questionable.

This now becomes a must-win game for the Suns (39-28), who are sixth in the West looking to avoid the play-in.

The Suns have 15 games remaining with only three against teams with losing records: the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday in Phoenix and the Spurs in consecutive games starting Saturday in San Antonio.

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The Bucks (43-24) are getting Khris Middleton back as he missed 16 games with a left ankle sprain sustained Feb. 6 against the Suns landing on Kevin Durant's foot on a jump shot in a loss Phoenix. He hasn't played since.

Middleton is getting the start along with Damian Lillard, Malik Beasley, Jae Crowder and Brook Lopez. Beasley was also questionable with back spasms before Sunday's game.

The Suns are without Josh Okogie (abdominal) and Damion Lee (knee), who hasn't played all season.

Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Must-win for Phoenix Suns with Giannis Antetokounmpo out?