Milwaukee, WI — Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was held out of Wednesday’s matchup with the Hornets because of left knee patellar tendinopathy, a move head coach Doc Rivers framed as precautionary amid a packed stretch of the schedule.
“We’re looking at five games in seven days,” Rivers told reporters before tip-off. “This was the one game we targeted to sit him so he could get four days off.” Rivers said he encouraged Antetokounmpo to rest, calling it “the right decision” for the 30-year-old star.
Antetokounmpo has averaged 33.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.3 blocks in 32.9 minutes through 10 appearances. Wednesday marked his second absence; Milwaukee won without him on Oct. 30 against Golden State but fell in Charlotte, dropping to 7-5.
Pacers Allow 152 in Utah Rout
T.J. McConnell returned from injury for his season debut Tuesday, yet Indiana surrendered a season-worst 152 points in a lopsided loss to the Jazz. The veteran guard labeled the defensive showing “pitiful,” adding, “We just have to be better in terms of fight and pride.” The defending Eastern Conference champions are 1-10.
Cleveland Turns to Ball, Porter in Miami
With Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell sidelined Wednesday, Lonzo Ball logged his second start for the Cavaliers, while third-year guard Craig Porter Jr. played a season-high 32 minutes. Porter finished with 19 points, nine assists and a game-best +21 plus-minus in the victory over the Heat.
Bulls Rookie Essengue Scores 28 in G League Debut
Noa Essengue poured in 28 points in 29 minutes for the Windy City Bulls on Tuesday, but head coach Billy Donovan said the first-round pick will remain on a developmental track. “We all know the shooting part needs to continue to develop, his body needs to continue to develop, but can he get things into the game we’re going to need him to?” Donovan said, emphasizing transition play, rebounding and cutting.
The Bulls’ crowded frontcourt rotation leaves Essengue without immediate NBA minutes despite his strong start in the G League.
Source: Hoops Rumors
