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9 hours ago
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Coach Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks have struggled to find their footing in the 2025-26 NBA season. They do not have as competitive of a roster in year's past but they still hope to make the postseason. However, those dreams of making it far into the NBA Playoffs may have just been doused with cold water before they faced off against the Donovan Mitchell and James Harden-led Cleveland Cavaliers. It's all because Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be playing.
Antetokounmpo to miss Cavs vs. Bucks game
The Bucks have now confirmed that Antetokounmpo will be out in their 68th game of the season, via NBA.com. He is currently suffering a left ankle sprain after going down against the Indiana Pacers. Notably, the superstar outlined that he had no plans of imaging nor resting prior to this decision. In fact, Antetokounmpo even went as far as to say that he was not feeling much discomfort.
Now, Coach Rivers will have to cover up the void of Antetokounmpo's 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. More than that, they also do not have much versatility in their defenders when the Cavs start switching guys like Evan Mobley, James Harden, or Donovan Mitchell.
Antetokounmpo has only played 36 games in the Bucks' 67-game campaign. The worrying part for Coach Rivers and Co. is their record. They currently sit at 11th in the Eastern Conference standings with a mere 28 wins. If they do end up losing against the Cavs, the Bucks will also have to give up their current standing and fall all the way to 12th. There are decisions to be made. It all involves Antetokounmpo, the medical team, coaching staff, and front office.
The Bucks can still gun for a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament if they go on a tear in these remaining games. However, the chances of winning those bouts without Antetokounmpo look very slim.
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