The Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks square off in the regular season opener on Wednesday night. Heading into the game, the Bucks have two All-Stars on the injury list in Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Middleton’s status was clear earlier this week. While Bucks head coach Doc Rivers wouldn’t immediately rule out the forward, he said Middleton would need to compete in a five-on-five scrimmage before the opener before he would be cleared for action.

Tuesday’s practice came and went without Middleton appearing in scrimmage action. As expected, Middleton was ruled out for the opening game against the Sixers.

As for Antetokounmpo, he is dealing with right patella tendinitis. Although the Bucks have Giannis on the injury report, he does not appear to be in danger of missing the opener. The Bucks had the star big man listed as “likely” to play. He will get a chance to play against the Sixers on Wednesday.

Milwaukee has a big advantage with Giannis as a player on Wednesday night. On the other hand, the Sixers ruled out their big man, Joel Embiid.

Like Middleton, Embiid has found his way back to the court this year. Training camp came and went without Embiid participating in scrimmage action. The 76ers went through the preseason and decided to shut down Embiid for the entire run before he took the field.

Going into Wednesday’s opener, Embiid is gearing up to return. However, the Sixers will let him take some more time off as he gets into shape.

Even playing against Embiid, Antetokounmpo has found success against the Sixers. In sixteen games, Antetokounmpo averaged more than 31 points, fourteen rebounds and six assists.

In addition to Embiid, the Sixers will also have to make do without injured All-Star forward Paul George on Wednesday evening. The Sixers are off to a rough start this year, facing one of the top teams in the NBA while down a few stars.