Bobby

Portis

Portis’ pain medication snafu resulted in a 25-game suspension after the 30-year-old power forward tested positive for a banned substance. According to his agent, Portis unintentionally took Tramadol, thinking he was taking Toradol. With the suspension sidelining Portis for almost the entire remainder of the season, he’s droppable in all formats.

It’s unclear how Portis violated the NBA’s anti-drug policy exactly with Haynes reporting that he took a “banned substance.” The 30-year-old power forward is potentially droppable now that he’s set to miss the next 25 games for Milwaukee. Portis had been a must-start option whenever Giannis Antetokounmpo was out. With Portis on the shelf now, Kyle Kuzma will likely see a boost in value for the time being.

Portis came off the bench in favor of Kyle Kuzma in this one, but Portis still logged 30 minutes and paced the team in rebounds. Portis has been excellent with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined, averaging 20.4 points, 12 rebounds and 4.3 dimes across nine appearances this season. Portis has six double-doubles, six games with multiple three-pointers and two games with multiple blocks across those nine. Antetokounmpo will remain out through the All-Star break, making Big Bobby P a must-start option until the former returns.

Sunday’s game against Philadelphia will be the third Antetetokounmpo has missed since suffering a mild strain of his left calf. Per Charania’s report, the Bucks star will also miss Milwaukee’s final two games before the break and the All-Star Game in San Francisco on February 16. The expectation is that Antetokounmpo will be healthy enough to return shortly after the All-Star break. Bobby Portis will continue to start, and he’s worth picking up in any shallow leagues in which he remains available.

Following a six-game absence, Portis has been in the starting unit for the last two games with Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) sidelined. Across these two games, Portis has averaged 24.5 points, 16.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.0 steal, 2.0 blocks and 3.0 threes. He has only started seven times this season, but most of those have been elite performances. He won’t start when Antetokounmpo is healthy, but Portis will continue to be an excellent streaming option as long as he is starting.

Giannis was initially listed as questionable to play in this game after missing their game against Charlotte on Wednesday. Bobby Portis shined as a starter in that game, and he should remain in that role once again, though the debut of Kyle Kuzma could mix things up.

Dealing with a left knee contusion, Lopez is considered probable for Friday’s game. How impactful a potential absence would be depends on the availability of Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf), who is also probable. Bobby Portis is the player who benefits the most if the Bucks are forced to play with either of their frontcourt stars.

Lillard has been included on recent injury reports with a sore left groin, but he’s on track to play Friday night. Giannis is also probable due to a left calf contusion. Antetokounmpo was scratched just before Wednesday’s win over Charlotte with the calf status. If he remains out, Bobby Portis will get another start. Outstanding against the Hornets, Portis should be rostered in all leagues if allowed to start.

Expected to come off the bench, Portis was thrust into the starting lineup due to Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) being a late scratch. And the “Mayor of Milwaukee” put on a show, finishing a game with at least 20 points and 15 rebounds for the second time this season. Portis hasn’t been the fantasy stalwart he’s been in previous seasons, but Wednesday was a good time for him to turn back the clock. His playing time should not be significantly impacted by the addition of Kyle Kuzma, acquired from the Wizards on Wednesday afternoon.

The Bucks had a skeleton crew on the floor in Monday’s 29-point loss to the Thunder. Milwaukee got most of their big guns back against the Hornets Wednesday, though Giannis Antetokounmpo is noticeably absent. Lillard and Portis figure to be the biggest beneficiaries with the Greek Freak out Wednesday.