Milwaukee Bucks: Bobby Portis regains groove after four-game absence

After signing with the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason, Bobby Portis has fully embraced whatever role the team has needed him to play.

Primarily serving as their sixth man, the big man has been fantastic by providing a scoring boost and rebounding presence. Playing such a key factor in their success this season, the Bucks certainly missed having him in the lineup after he was recently sidelined for four games due to the league’s health and safety protocols.

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Losing their leading scorer in the second unit was a big blow for the Bucks, but they managed to stay afloat without him for those five contests.

After a week away from the team, Portis made his return to action in the Bucks’ 127-109 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in the middle of Milwaukee’s recently concluded six-game road swing. He justifiably struggled to regain his form in that matchup, logging six points on 3-for-9 shooting while hauling in seven rebounds.

After getting his feet wet during his first action in over a week, Portis has gotten his production back up to par.

In the team’s four games since then, Portis has averaged 15.3 points on .491/.333/.750 shooting splits, 11.5 rebounds, and one assist per game. He has upped his scoring several tricks on relatively nice efficiency while hauling in rebounds at an incredible rate. This improved production stems from more minutes for the forward, as the injury but has taken a recent toll on the roster.

Bobby Portis continues playing a key role for the Milwaukee Bucks this season

With Giannis Antetokounmpo having missed four out of Milwaukee’s last five games due to knee soreness, the team has needed a spark in the frontcourt. Portis has done just that for the Bucks, taking on a bigger role by starting in three of his last four appearances.

When he was asked about that transition into the starting lineup and how that impacts his approach to the game, he detailed how his focus remains unchanged. Via Bucks.com:

"“I just try to play my game whether it’s starting or coming off the bench. I’ve got to come in, provide, be myself, try to put the basketball in the hole, go out there, play with swag, play with energy, and play with effort. Trying to rebound the basketball like crazy. That’s just what I provide to the team. That’s how I can impact winning for the basketball team. I know my game. I know my niche in the league. I just try to be a star in my role, no matter if I’m coming off the bench or starting.”"

With no timetable set for Antetokounmpo’s return to the lineup and P.J. Tucker still nursing a calf strain, the Bucks will be more dependent on Portis to fill the void at power forward. As he continues working his way back to form following his four-game absence, this increased opportunity could certainly help speed up the process.

The sixth-year man has upped his production substantially since returning for the Bucks, something they will need with Antetokounmpo’s availability uncertain on a game to game basis.  And he continues enjoying the most efficient season of his career as seen by his 58.8 effective field goal percentage and 59.9 true shooting percentage.

Along with his contributions to the stat sheet, the fan favorite provides a sizable dose of energy and intensity to the lineup that will also be crucial without the MVP in the fold.

Bobby Portis has been a bright spot for the Bucks all season, and this recent stretch only reinforces it. With the playoffs inching closer, hopefully the big man can use this recent stretch to build up some nice momentum.