CLEVELAND — Milwaukee’s star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, is set to miss the upcoming matchup against the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers due to a strained adductor muscle. This marks yet another early season challenge for a Bucks team that has struggled to find its rhythm.

Coach Doc Rivers revealed that Antetokounmpo participated in the morning shootaround but ultimately the decision was made to rest him for the evening game. Rivers indicated that he had preemptively decided to sit out the two-time NBA MVP before receiving input from the medical team regarding his condition.

Uncertainty looms regarding when exactly Antetokounmpo sustained the injury, although Rivers emphasized the player’s strong desire to avoid missing games, especially with Milwaukee facing difficulties early in the season, having lost five consecutive matches. “I had made up my mind that he shouldn’t play tonight when they informed me he was sore on Saturday,” Rivers commented. “I was relieved that the medical staff concurred—not because I don’t want him to play, but for his health, this seemed like the right call.”

Antetokounmpo has been a significant contributor for the Bucks this season, averaging 31 points per game, while the team struggles with a record of 1-5, including a narrow one-point defeat to the Cavaliers just two days earlier. With this rest period, Antetokounmpo will have four full days to recover before the Bucks take on Utah at home on Thursday.

In the recent close encounter against Cleveland, Antetokounmpo tallied an impressive 34 points along with 16 rebounds and nine assists. The Cavaliers secured their victory with a buzzer-beating jumper from guard Donovan Mitchell, marking their seventh consecutive win of the season.

Historically, the Cavaliers achieved their best start back in 1976 with an 8-0 record. However, they will face this game without starter Dean Wade, who is out due to illness, and top reserve Caris LeVert, who is dealing with a knee issue.

Last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. The Bucks are also missing small forward Khris Middleton, who is sidelined for the entire season after undergoing ankle surgery.