After dropping 10 of their past 12 games, the Milwaukee Bucks used a four-day break before Thursday’s contest against the Boston Celtics to reassess their path back into the Eastern Conference playoff race without injured star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Myles Turner urges calm
Veteran center Myles Turner told reporters Tuesday that the season is far from lost, noting the club sits just 5.5 games behind the No. 3 seed. “I don’t think it’s time to panic,” Turner said. “It’s time to be aware that we’re not where we want to be, but we’re also not far away.” Turner, averaging 12.6 points per game—his lowest figure in five seasons—said the roster is capable of a push but must “go out there and get it done.”
Production needed from key scorers
Head coach Doc Rivers is leaning on forward Kyle Kuzma and guards Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins to shoulder the scoring load while Antetokounmpo recovers from a calf strain. Porter is averaging 27.0 points on .581/.615/.870 shooting over his last four outings, a surge Milwaukee hopes can continue.
Possible reinforcement vs. Boston
Rivers said sharpshooter A.J. Green, 26, could return Thursday after missing Saturday’s game with a shoulder injury. Green did not practice Tuesday but remains a possibility to play against the Celtics.
Antetokounmpo addresses trade chatter
With trade rumors swirling, the two-time MVP met with several teammates to encourage them to block out outside noise and focus on basketball, according to Chris Haynes on NBA TV.
Long-term challenges outlined
In a Substack column, Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron detailed the franchise’s difficult outlook. Milwaukee has already dealt many future draft picks and carries significant dead money, placing pressure on the front office to secure a major return if it ever decides to move Antetokounmpo and navigate a post-Giannis era.
Source: Hoops Rumors
