Giannis Antetokounmpo Nears Return After Pregame Workout Before Portland Loss

Giannis Antetokounmpo completed a pregame workout before the Milwaukee Bucks’ 115-103 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, signaling his return from a left adductor strain is imminent. The Bucks have dropped five consecutive games and three straight without their star forward on the floor.

Doc Rivers told reporters both Antetokounmpo and point guard Kevin Porter Jr. are “pretty close” to returning. However, both players were ruled out Sunday afternoon for Monday’s game against the Trail Blazers.

Portland dominated Milwaukee despite playing on the second night of a back-to-back. The Trail Blazers led by as many as 33 points in the fourth quarter before the final margin settled at 12.

Milwaukee’s offense has cratered during Antetokounmpo’s absence. The Bucks have plummeted to 26th in offensive rating over the last three games at 108.6 points per 100 possessions, down from 16th through the first 15 games.

Defenses have focused on neutralizing Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee’s breakout performer early this season. Portland assigned 6-foot-8 All-Defensive Second Team guard Toumani Camara to pressure Rollins full court.

“They’re taking Ryan out of it,” Rivers said after Monday’s loss. “We don’t have the ability right now to get into anything else when he doesn’t have it.”

Rollins finished with 10 points, five rebounds and seven assists but never established rhythm. Milwaukee’s offensive rebounding has dropped to 17.8 percent over three games without Antetokounmpo, down from an already league-worst 23.9 percent.

Ron Harper Jr. Named G League Player Of The Week

Ron Harper Jr. has been named the G League Player of the Week for games played between November 17th and November 23rd. Harper is on a Two-Way contract with the Boston Celtics.

Harper averaged 36.0 points, 7.0 assists and 6.0 rebounds for the Maine Celtics as they went 2-0.

Harper has also appeared in three NBA games this season.

Dereck Lively II Facing Extended Absence Due To Foot Injury

Dereck Lively II is expected to be out for an extended period. Lively has appeared in only seven of 19 games so far this season with the Dallas Mavericks after undergoing offseason foot surgery and having a recent knee issue. Lively didn’t play for the Mavericks on Monday due to foot injury management as he has been experiencing swelling and discomfort.

Lively is averaging 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 blocks in 16.5 minutes this season. Lively has been limited to just 55 games as a rookie and 36 games last season due to injury issues.

Lively underwent surgery in the offseason to remove bone spurs from his right foot. Lively will be reevaluated in seven to 10 days.