Giannis is questionable for Monday’s rematch

The Bucks could be without their best player for Monday’s game in Cleveland.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was phenomenal in Saturday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. His 34-point performance would’ve ended the Milwaukee Bucks’ losing streak if it wasn’t for Donovan Mitchell’s late-game heroics. Now, the Bucks might be without him as they try to end their now five-game slide.

Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable for Monday’s game in Cleveland with a right adductor strain. He has been playing through right patella tendinitis, but the adductor strain is a new injury.

The Bucks can’t afford to be without Giannis. They’ve severely struggled when Antetokounmpo is off the floor as they’re being outscored by 18.5 points per 100 possessions without him (2nd percentile). This includes posting a 126.8 defensive rating (1st percentile). This came through in Friday’s matchup as the Cavs outscored the Bucks by six in the nine minutes Antetokounmpo sat.

Milwaukee is going through a rough start to their year. On top of the 1-5 record, Marc Stein has reported that there is chatter about teams trying to trade for Antetokounmpo. Those rumors will only grow louder with each Bucks loss.

The Cavs are trying to match their franchise’s best start by going 8-0 on Monday. That will become easier if Antetokounmpo isn’t able to go or is only able to play limited minutes.

Antetokounmpo is averaging 31 points on 63.3% shooting with 12.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists through six games this season. His production on the court isn’t to blame for their slow start.