Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will not play in Monday night’s game against the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers due to a strained adductor muscle. This is another setback for the struggling Bucks early in the season.
Coach Doc Rivers explained that Antetokounmpo went through the morning shootaround, but the team decided to let him rest for the game. Rivers said he had already made the decision to sit the two-time NBA MVP before the medical staff gave their recommendation.
Rivers mentioned that he isn’t sure exactly when Antetokounmpo got hurt, but he emphasized that the star player hates missing games, especially with the Bucks struggling. Milwaukee has lost five games in a row.
“I had decided in my own mind that he shouldn’t play tonight right when they told me he that he was sore (Saturday),” Rivers said. “I was happy when they said — not happy because you want him to play — but for his health I think it’s the right thing.”
Antetokounmpo is averaging 31 points per game for the Bucks, who are currently 1-5. They lost to the Cavs by one point at home on Saturday.
By sitting out tonight, Antetokounmpo will have four days to rest before the Bucks play Utah on Thursday.
The eight-time All-Star scored 34 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and made nine assists against Cleveland, but the Cavs won 114-113 on a last-second jumper from guard Donovan Mitchell to stay unbeaten at 7-0.
Cleveland’s best start to a season was 8-0 in 1976. They will be missing starter Dean Wade (illness) and top reserve Caris LeVert (knee) for this game.
Last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists.
The Bucks are also without small forward Khris Middleton, who is recovering from ankle surgery and has not played this season.
