The Milwaukee Bucks announced on Monday that star players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton will not participate in the upcoming game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This decision comes as the Bucks commence a three-game road trip, following their 132-119 home defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies. Antetokounmpo is sidelined due to right patella tendinopathy, while Middleton is adjusting his workload after undergoing offseason surgery on both ankles.
Antetokounmpo, who ranks second in the NBA in scoring with an average of 31.8 points per game and fifth in rebounding with 12.2 rebounds, played in Sunday's game against the Grizzlies. Middleton also took part in that game. However, the team's medical staff has decided to keep them out of action to ensure their health and readiness for future matches.
In addition to Antetokounmpo and Middleton, the Bucks are dealing with other injuries and absences. Damian Lillard is managing a sore left groin, and Brook Lopez is experiencing back soreness. Both players were active against Memphis, but their conditions may affect their availability for the matchup against Oklahoma City.
Bobby Portis, who has already missed five consecutive games due to personal reasons, remains doubtful for the Thunder game. The Bucks' decision to rest key players highlights their cautious approach to managing player health amid a demanding schedule.
The Bucks' coaching staff and management are focused on player recovery and performance sustainability as they navigate this challenging period in the season. With multiple players contending with injuries or recovery issues, maintaining team performance will be crucial as they embark on this road trip.
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