The Milwaukee Bucks opened up their season on Wednesday night against the Washington Wizards. They put up 72 points in the first half and won by 13 points. They had the game under control through all four quarters, which should not come as a surprise to anyone. However, one of their key players sprained his ankle in the first quarter.
Kevin Porter Jr. played just nine minutes before leaving the game in the first quarter. In his short time on the court, Porter Jr. scored 10 points, collected two assists, and recorded one steal. He was off to a great start before leaving with the injury.
The ankle sprain he suffered comes with even worse news. According to the Associated Press, Porter Jr. underwent an MRI on his ankle, which confirmed the original diagnosis. This will cause him to miss the upcoming two-game road trip.
Who Replaces Kevin Porter Jr.?
GettyKevin Porter Jr will miss the next two games with an ankle sprain.
Porter Jr. is 6-foot-5, so he stays in the backcourt. The 25-year-old is a streaky shooter, but he has been playing well in his time with Milwaukee. KPJ shot 49.4% from the field and 40.9% from three-point range in 30 games with the Bucks last season. Before leaving the game with an injury on Wednesday night, he was 3-for-5 from the field and 2-for-3 from beyond the arc.
The guard has been at his best on the Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo takes a lot of the pressure off of his teammates, so it is not a surprise that KPJ has been able to play a little bit better in Milwaukee. However, the Bucks will have to find a way to replace him on Friday in Toronto and Sunday in Cleveland.
Gary Trent Jr. and A.J. Green are the other two guards in the Bucks’ starting five. With a smaller lineup on opening night, Milwaukee could replace Porter Jr. with anyone. The four players that seem the most likely to make up his minutes are Ryan Rollins, Taurean Prince, Kyle Kuzma, or even Bobby Portis.
Other Bucks’ Injuries
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo is on the injury report, but should play.
KPJ has already been ruled out for the next two games, but he is the only player who should miss time. However, Antetokounmpo is dealing with some ailments that have put him on the injury report for the first two games.
Giannis has a toe sprain and a back issue that have landed him on the injury report. The good news is he is probable for the game on Friday, and he played 27 minutes on opening night. The Greek Freak did not need to play any more than that because of the blowout over the Wizards.
In order for the Bucks to succeed this season, they are going to need Antetokounmpo to be healthy all year. The 30-year-old is still in MVP form, but Milwaukee has to think long-term in regards to this season. If he is unable to suit up for a game or two, it will not kill the team. However, with Giannis at the center of trade talks, Milwaukee will need him to be as healthy as possible.
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