Bucks Injury Report: Giannis Antetokounmpo Surprisingly Ruled Out vs Cavs

Ricardo Klein | Nov 4, 2024

Nov 2, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images / Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is ruled out for Monday night's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Bucks shared the news via Twitter/X just a few hours before game time.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (right adductor strain) is out for tonight's game.

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 4, 2024

Antetokounmpo is ruled out due to a right adductor strain. He has been playing through right patella tendinitis but is now dealing with an adductor strain.

Antetokounmpo was ruled as a game-time decision earlier in the day. This will be the first game he will miss of the season. It is unclear how long this injury could keep him out.

Because Antetokounmpo is now ruled out, Bobby Portis and Andre Jackson will play more prominent roles against their undefeated division rivals.

The Bucks played the Cavs on Saturday, and it ended in thrilling fashion. Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell hit a last-second game-winner to move the Cavs to 7-0 and continue the Bucks' losing streak.

The Bucks will face the Cavaliers again, and Milwaukee will look to snap its five-game losing streak against its division rivals.

Antetokounmpo has been the anchor that has driven the Bucks thus far, although their record doesn't reflect that. He leads the team in points and rebounds, averaging 31.0 points per game and 12.3 rebounds per game, along with 6.3 assists, 0.5 blocks and steals.

The Bucks currently hold a 1-5 record and are in the midst of a five-game losing streak. Things have not been all good for the Bucks to start the season. Their defense has been atrocious, and they are still without their third-best player, forward Khris Middleton.

It is unclear when Middleton will return to the lineup, but the Bucks could use him sooner rather than later.

Antetokounmpo arguably had his best game of the year open Saturday when he recorded 34 points on 15-for-27 shooting, 16 rebounds, nine assists, and one steal in 39 minutes of action.

The Bucks are now huge underdogs in this contest, as the spread has increased to +9.5. The Bucks' money line is also set at +350.

According to ESPN Analytics, the Bucks only have a 28.3 percent chance to win the game compared to the Cavaliers, who have a 71.7 percent shot to come away with their eighth consecutive win.

This will be the second of four matchups against the Cavaliers this season and their second matchup in three days.

Tip-off is set at 7 p.m. ET.

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