Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence from the lineup was never expected to be long-term, and it appears he is indeed nearing a return. Prior to the Milwaukee Bucks and Portland Trail Blazers facing off Monday night, Doc Rivers told reporters that Giannis, in addition to Kevin Porter Jr., is close to returning. In the world of sports, that could mean a million things, but it sounds like things are trending up.
Bucks could certainly use a Giannis-sized boost
The initial timetable for Giannis' groin strain, which he suffered in Milwaukee's grueling beatdown at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, was one to two weeks. Monday marked one week since the injury occurred, so Rivers' comments aren't too shocking. Giannis has always seemingly had a quick healing factor, allowing him to nurse injuries and return to action in a timely fashion.
The Milwaukee Bucks could certainly use Giannis. Things had been tough even with him in the lineup, but the Bucks have lost their last two without him, one by a hair and one convincingly. Getting back a two-time MVP having a dominant season will undoubtedly be a shot in the arm. Ryan Rollins has been a tremendous surprise, but he cannot carry the workload by himself.
Obviously, Giannis was the biggest update of the night, but Kevin Porter Jr.'s status is worth noting as well for Milwaukee. The guard has missed all but nine minutes this season due to an ankle injury that unfortunately became a meniscus injury. He underwent surgery on November 4 and was given about a one-month timetable. He's getting close.
Porter's return won't have a Giannis-like impact, but it will help. Having started the year as Milwaukee's leading floor general, Porter's shot-making, sweet passing, and pesky defense were all supposed to be of great use to this team. Of course, he hasn't had much of a chance to show it, but he will once he is cleared to return in the near future.
Just like the last few years, injuries have been an unfortunate storyline for the Milwaukee Bucks this season. In addition to Giannis and Porter, Taurean Prince has been out of the lineup. While there is a light at the end of the tunnel for both Giannis and Porter, it is a different story for Prince, who is out indefinitely due to neck surgery. His absence has been felt early on.
The goal now is to get healthy and go on a major run.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.