By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Milwaukee Bucks’ postseason hopes are fading fast following a demoralizing 130-99 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on Wednesday. Now 29-43, Milwaukee sits nine games out of the Eastern Conference Play-In zone with only ten games remaining in the 2025-26 Regular Season.
The narrative surrounding the blowout remained centered on the continued absence of Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed his fifth straight game with a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise. His injury has sparked a public rift between the team and the National Basketball Players Association, which recently suggested that the Bucks are tanking by holding out a healthy star to improve draft positioning.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers flatly rejected those claims, maintaining that the 10-time All-Star is physically unable to compete. “He’s progressing,” the 64-year-old tactician said in a pregame press conference. “He’s just not healthy. We’re just trying to get Giannis clear and healthy. That’s our only focus. All the other stuff, we stay above.”
On the court, the European presence was felt on both sides. For the Bucks, French starter Ousmane Dieng provided a bright spot, tallying 16 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Thanasis Antetokounmpo contributed one point and three rebounds in limited minutes, while his brother Alex remained on assignment with the Wisconsin Herd.
The Trail Blazers’ victory was fueled by their own international core. Israeli forward Deni Avdija led the way with 18 points and seven assists, supported by Belgium’s Toumani Camara, who recorded 10 points and two steals. France’s Sidy Cissoko added two points and four rebounds off the bench, though Czechia’s Vit Krejci remained sidelined with a calf injury.