The Milwaukee Bucks return from the All-Star Break tonight as they face the Los Angeles Clippers at home at Fiserv Forum. At 29-24, the Bucks have 29 regular season games remaining before the NBA Playoffs. Of course, their main focus right now is make sure stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are healthy heading into the postseason.
Injuries to both stars contributed to their opening round loss last year, and Giannis missed two games during their opening round loss the year before.
Unfortunately, the journey to a guaranteed postseason berth may have taken a blow on Thursday.
Milwaukee Bucks Forward Bobby Portis Has Been Suspended by the NBA
Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Bucks Sixth Man of the Year candidate and fan-favorite forward Bobby Portis has been suspended for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy:
Just In: The NBA has suspended Milwaukee Bucks’ Bobby Portis for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/FeSDo4jb0k
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2025
This is a devastating blow for Milwaukee as they enter the home stretch of the regular season. If they fall below the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, they will have to try to make it into the top-eight teams via the play-in tournament.
Portis, who is averaging 13.8 points and 8.3 rebounds this season, was a vital part of the Bucks’ rotation. He was the only “big man” who got any kind of quality playing time behind Giannis and Brook Lopez.
Now, newly acquired Jericho Sims may see a bigger role.
Milwaukee Bucks Forward Bobby Portis Releases a Statement on His Suspension
Per the Bucks’ website, Portis made the following statement after his suspension was announced by the NBA:
“I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation. During that time, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-reducing anti-inflammatory pill that is not approved. I feel horrible and recognize that I’m responsible for what I put in my body. From the bottom of my heart, I want to apologize to the Bucks organization, my teammates, coaches, family, and fans. I give everything I have on the court and will terribly miss playing games for the Bucks during this time. I will continue to work hard and be ready for our long playoff run. Thank you for your support. I appreciate it more than you know.”
He will not appeal the suspension.
While one can certainly be frustrated by the situation, it is absolutely wild that he is being suspended for more games than other players have been for various arrests.
More Milwaukee Bucks News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- “25 Games for Tramadol?” Bucks Fans Question Harsh Punishment for Bobby Portis
- Bucks Fans’ Instant Reactions to Bobby Portis Suspension
- Bucks’ Damian Lillard Eligible for Big Payday This Season
- Bucks Fans Are Furious with Latest Giannis Antetokounmpo Report
- Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants 1-on-1 Moment vs Khris Middleton
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