Bucks Announce Final Injury Updates on Giannis Antetokounmpo, 3 Others vs Cavaliers

Nov 2, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) in the final minutes of the game at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has revealed his team's final decision on the injury availabilities of four players ahead of a major early-season test against a team expected to number among the class of the Easter Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Bucks' lossless record will be challenged on Sunday thanks to both the strength of the competition and Milwaukee's own absences.

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Cleveland, fortunately for the Bucks' chances, is not without its own health concerns.

Per Eric Nehm of The Athletic, the Bucks will be missing three rotation pieces in starting point guard Kevin Porter Jr. and reserves Kyle Kuzma and Cole Anthony.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers tells reporters that Kyle Kuzma will be out as well tonight. Porter and Anthony will be out.

Giannis Antetokounmpo should be available. https://t.co/zC0AbatF81

— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) October 26, 2025

Nine-time All-NBA superstar power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, mercifully, will suit up despite dealing with a lingering left great toe sprain.

Nehm adds that two-way rookie Bucks guard Mark Sears will be available to possibly make his NBA debut, although Rivers was mum on whether or not he would actually get rotation minutes.

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Playing a surprise bench role despite his $42.7 million contract, Kuzma has been averaging 10.0 points on .600/.000/1.000 shooting splits, 3.5 boards, 1.5 assists, 1.5 swipes and 1.5 blocks rejections in his two available games for the Bucks.

Anthony, meanwhile, is by far the bigger loss for Milwaukee's offensive punch. He boasts averages of 16.0 points (while slashing .684/.429/.429), 6.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds a night.

Milwaukee's Biggest Absence

Porter, a great downhill player with a streaky jumper, only lasted for 9.4 minutes before getting hurt in Milwaukee's first game of the year. Still, in that time, he scored 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting from the field and 2-of-2 shooting from the foul line, while chipping in two assists and one steal.

The 6-foot-5 USC alum proved an impactful chip to Milwaukee after the club acquired him in a deadline trade with the LA Clippers last February, ultimately re-signing with the Bucks this summer on a two-season, $10.5 million deal with a player option for 2026-27.

According to the NBA's most recent injury report, two-time All-Star Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland (left great toe surgery), small forward Max Strus (left foot Jones fracture surgery recovery) have both already been ruled out. Combo forward De'Andre Hunter is questionable to play through a right knee contusion.

For more news and notes on the Milwaukee Bucks, visit Milwaukee Bucks on SI.