The Milwaukee Bucks will be without some key cogs against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.

More news: Doc Rivers Credits NBA All-Star-Turned-Bucks Assistant with Big Impact

Per the Bucks’ official X account, the club will still be missing nine-time All-NBA power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, starting point guard (for now) Kevin Porter Jr., and reserve 3-and-D forward Taurean Prince due to injury. Giannis’ little brother, Alex, will be putting in reps with the Bucks’ NBAGL affiliate in Oshkosh, the Wisconsin Herd.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to miss the next one-to-two weeks of action, at least, with a low-grade left groin strain. The two-time league MVP had previously been shelved because of nagging knee tendinitis, which cost him two games prior to this latest ailment.

When he has been available this year (in 13 games so far), the 2021 Finals MVP has been averaging 31.2 points on .629/.500/.636 shooting splits, 10.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.2 blocks and 0.9 steals a night.

Obviously, missing the Bucks’ best player will prove costly against the hottest team in the league. Detroit is in the midst of an 11-game win streak, and doesn’t seem likely to drop even a road matchup in Milwaukee, at least without the threat of Antetokounmpo.

Other Milwaukee Absences, Explained

Prince, meanwhile, underwent neck surgery to treat a herniated disc, and could be unavailable for multiple months as he recuperates.

Porter, anointed to be nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard’s positional successor at the starting point guard spot heading into the year, has missed all but one game for Milwaukee. The 6-foot-4 USC product first sprained his ankle during the Bucks’ season opener, and then tore his meniscus in his rehab ramp-up. Without Porter, Ryan Rollins has stepped up.

Rollins’ development likely signifies the end of Porter’s tenure as his club’s starting point guard, especially the longer his recovery drags on. Through 16 games, the 23-year-old University of Toledo alum has been averaging 18.3 points on .511/.443/.800 shooting splits, 5.9 dimes, 3.9 boards and 1.6 swipes per bout.

Per the team, newly-minted starting small forward Kyle Kuzma has seen his status demoted to questionable ahead of the Pistons clash, as he may be struck down by a new, unspecified illness.

According to the league’s latest injury report, Pistons power forward Tobias Harris (right ankle sprain) and shooting guard Jaden Ivey (return to competition reconditioning) are questionable to play. Combo forward Bobi Klintman (left ankle sprain), power forward Isaac Jones (G League assignment), guard Marcus Sasser (right hip impingement), and two-way players Wendell Moore Jr. and Tolu Smith (on assignment to Detroit’s G League squad) are all out.

Latest Bucks News

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee celebrated the lighting of its 112th annual Christmas tree Thursday evening in the Deer District, marking the second-longest-running Christmas tree lighting tradition in the United States behind only New York City.

The 42-foot Colorado blue spruce, donated by Kaitlyn Schmidt Thabet and Amgad Thabet, was transformed with vibrant jewel tones, large reflective metallic ornaments, oversized snowflakes and lighted stars inspired by the theme “Shining Together.”

“This tree stands as a celebration of Milwaukee’s incredible spirit during the winter season,” said David Caruso, designer of the Christmas tree and local event planner and TV host. “My hope is that it fills your evening and your holidays with light, joy and pride.”

Watch the full tree lighting ceremony:

Milwaukee lights 112th annual Christmas tree in historic Deer District celebration

Mayor Cavalier Johnson emphasized the historic significance of the event during his remarks to the crowd gathered in the Deer District.

“Tonight is special, not just because the holiday brings people together, but because this is a historic night for Milwaukee,” Johnson said. “Our Christmas tree lighting in the City of Milwaukee is the second-longest-running Christmas tree lighting in the United States of America, only behind New York City.”

The celebration featured performances by the Reagan High School varsity Drumline and entertainment by Guyton Entertainment and DJ YC.

Santa Claus made a special appearance, accompanied by his reindeer. Another famous deer — Bucks mascot Bango, also took part in the celebration.

Peter Feigin, president of the Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum, expressed pride in hosting the tree lighting in the Deer District.

“This is what we dreamed about when we built the Deer District,” Feigin said. “This is one of the greatest things.”

The celebration concluded with the mayor’s family and other children helping to officially light the tree, continuing Milwaukee’s 112-year tradition of bringing the community together for the holidays.

The event also launched the new Deer District Holiday Market, which runs through November 30 in the beer garden area. The market features local makers, food and drinks.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.

Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.

Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip

MILWAUKEE – Deer District is transformed into Cheer District through Jan. 15. The City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree will also be displayed in Cheer District for the fourth straight year and lit by Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson at a ceremony on Friday, Nov. 21.

Dynamic Events by David Caruso, designer of the City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree, will produce the tree-lighting ceremony on Nov. 21 with Mayor Johnson.

The City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree is the second-longest running official tree in the United States after New York City, with this year marking the 112th year of the city’s tree.