Bucks Forward Is Being Suspended For 25 Games

On Thursday morning, the Milwaukee Bucks got very bad news when they learned one of their star players will miss months on the court due to a suspension.

The league announced that Bobby Portis Jr. will be suspended for 25 games without pay because he tested positive for a painkiller that violates the league’s anti-drug program.

Chris Haynes broke the story, and later reporting said Portis used Tramadol.

Because of that, he will not be able to play again until April 8, which will be the 79th game of Milwaukee’s 82-game schedule.

What can the Bucks do without him?

BREAKING: Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. to be suspended 25 games for taking a banned substance, sources tell me. #haynesbriefs

Brought to you by @Nuna_USA pic.twitter.com/oJD6YCo3cN

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 20, 2025

This is not a good time for the Bucks to lose Portis.

He had averaged 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this season and is shooting 46.3 percent from the field.

Portis has been perhaps Milwaukee’s strongest bench player, and they wanted to use the next few months to build a strong chemistry, especially with the new inclusion of Kyle Kuzma.

But now they won’t have Portis until the very end of the season.

Portis reportedly took the painkiller unintentionally, according to his agent.

Regardless of whether it was a mistake or not, the punishment remains the same, and it severely hurts the Bucks.

Milwaukee is the fifth team in the East right now, with tons of tough competition ahead of them.

They were adamant about having a strong playoff run this season, especially since Giannis Antetkounmpo and Damian Lillard have been healthy and are working well together.

Losing Portis hurts a lot, but the team can still secure a good playoff position during his absence.

Knowing Portis, he will come back with a lot of enthusiasm and commitment when his suspension is over.

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