Milwaukee Bucks lose Wesley Matthews to health and safety protocols

Head coach Mike Budenholzer has been put to the test piecing together proper rotations for the Milwaukee Bucks early this season. The defending champs have been struck with the injury and illness bug, making a handful of key contributors unavailable. Unfortunately, Milwaukee will have to add another name to the list as they will be without Wesley Matthews in today’s matchup with the New York Knicks and possibly more.

As reported by The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Matthews was added to the injury report yesterday after entering the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Those are the only details that were given, which makes it hard to assess how long he might be out of the lineup. The one certainty in that regard is that he will miss today’s game at Madison Square Garden. Matthews now joins Donte DiVincenzo, Brook Lopez, and Semi Ojeleye as Bucks ruled out for tomorrow, while George Hill is questionable.

What losing Wesley Matthews means for the Milwaukee Bucks

With the Bucks banged up in the second unit, Matthews played quality minutes since being signed recently. Throughout four games, Matthews has not stuffed the stat sheet statistically, but he has made the most of his 14 minutes per game by doing other things. The veteran has given the Bucks an added boost of defense while providing some toughness off the bench. Both of these were on full display in Milwaukee’s most recent game, a 123-114 win over the Houston Rockets. This was Matthews’ best game during his brief second stint with the Bucks so far, and he will now have to start from scratch to try and find a groove.

While losing Matthews stings for the Bucks, the show must go on. Fortunately, they do have an ample amount of talent at the wing position, which could be on display today. Three players that will be worth watching closely in this matchup are Rodney Hood, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and Jordan Nwora. Although he has struggled mightily this season, Hood continues to get minutes off the bench, and he could see an increased workload under these circumstances. Nwora has been pulled from the rotation entirely recently, and perhaps he could get back on the floor in this game. Lastly, Antetokounmpo has largely been a spectator this season, but the Bucks know they will be able to count on him for some energy if he ever needs to be inserted into the game.

Hood, Antetokounmpo, and Nwora all bring different things to the table, whether it be experience, scoring, defense, or intensity. It will be interesting to see how Matthews’ absence impacts playing time for these three, especially Nwora, who has been put in the doghouse for the last few games after playing a key role for Milwaukee early. This is a chance for him to shine, especially under the bright lights of MSG. Only time will tell how Budenholzer reworks the rotation as the Bucks will be without yet another rotational player.

In the meantime, we hope all is well and to see Matthews back in the lineup soon.