The Bucks have ruled out Giannis Antetokounmpo for this Monday’s game against the Cavaliers due to an adductor strain.
CLEVELAND — Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss Monday night’s game against the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers due to an adductor muscle injury, another early-season setback for the Bucks.
Coach Doc Rivers said Antetokounmpo participated in the morning practice before the team decided to give him the night off. Rivers added that he had already opted to leave the two-time NBA MVP on the court before the medical staff gave their opinion.
Rivers indicated he’s not sure when Milwaukee’s best player was injured. He noted that Antetokounmpo hates missing games, and especially when the Bucks are off to a shaky start. Milwaukee has lost five games in a row.
“I had decided in my mind that I shouldn’t play tonight right when they told me he was sore (Saturday),” Rivers said. “I was happy when they told me, not because you want me to play, but, for his health, I think it’s the right thing to do.”
Antetokounmpo is averaging 31 points for the Bucks, who have a 1-5 record and lost by one point at home to the Cavs on Saturday.
By not playing, Antetokounmpo will have four days to rest before the Bucks host the Utah Jazz on Thursday.
The eight-time All-Star had 34 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists against Cleveland, which received a jumper from guard Donovan Mitchell in the final second for a 114-113 victory to improve to 7-0 this season.
The Cavs’ best start was 8-0 in 1976. They will be without starter Dean Wade (illness) and reserve Caris LeVert (knee).
Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists last season.
The Bucks will also be without forward Khris Middleton, who has not played this season after undergoing ankle surgery.
