One week after being diagnosed with a low-grade groin strain, Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was back on the court for pre-game shooting Monday and will accompany Milwaukee on its two-game trip to Miami on Wednesday and New York on Friday.
Head coach Doc Rivers told reporters he is “not necessarily” expecting Antetokounmpo to suit up on the road swing, yet believes both the two-time MVP and guard Kevin Porter Jr. are “getting close” to returning. Porter, recovering from meniscus surgery, was previously projected for an early-December comeback.
Milwaukee has dropped four straight since losing its leading scorer and rebounder, including Monday’s home defeat to a shorthanded Portland squad.
Walker posts career best
Jarace Walker, the Pacers’ 2023 lottery pick, entered Monday shooting 30.7% through 16 games but erupted for a career-high 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting in a win over Detroit. Veteran forward Pascal Siakam praised Walker’s simplified approach: “If you’re open, let it fly. If you don’t have it, keep moving it… drive strong. Finish. If you don’t have it, pass it.”
Bulls search for defensive identity
After surrendering a combined 263 points to Washington and New Orleans, Bulls coach Billy Donovan said the club lacks a true shutdown defender outside of Isaac Okoro. “We have to do it collectively,” Donovan noted, calling the issue a shared responsibility between coaches and players.
Cavaliers still waiting on Mobley’s offensive leap
Cleveland center Evan Mobley, last season’s Defensive Player of the Year, attempted just seven shots in Monday’s loss. Team observers continue to question when — or if — the former No. 3 overall pick will pair his elite defense with consistent offensive production.
Source: Hoops Rumors
